Space Accomplishments

 Events
Feb 032024
 

Challenger STS-41-B lifted off into space in 1984. The crew included Robert Gibson, Vance Brand, Ronald McNair, Robert Stewart, and Bruce McCandless. Stewart and McCandless became the first people to move freely in space without tethers. They were able to move about by using backpack jets.

Eileen Collins

Discovery STS-63 lifted off into space in 1995. On this mission Eileen Collins was the first woman pilot of a space shuttle. Discovery docked with the Russian space station Mir. Children can learn more about her at: Eileen Collins.

Children can examine all the missions at: STS Missions.

Comet Hale-Bopp Was Discovered in 1995

 Events
Jul 232024
 

Comet Hale-Bopp was discovered in 1995. Amateur astronomers Alan Hale in New Mexico and Thomas Bopp in Arizona, independent of each other, reported the extremely bright comet’s existence. It became visible in May 1996 and remained so until December 1997. Powerful telescopes were able to detect it in December 2010 and in August 2012. It may reappear around the year 4385. Children can learn more at: Comet Hale-Bopp.

Korean War and the Korean War Veterans Memorial

 Events
Jul 272024
 
  • Korean War ended in 1953 when an armistice was signed in Panmunjon, Korea. Both sides claimed victory in a war that lasted for slightly over three years.

    Korea Memorial 1

    Korean War Veterans Memorial

  • Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 1995. Located in Washington, DC, near the Lincoln Memorial, nineteen stainless steel sculptures of larger-than-life-size soldiers seem to be leaving a swamp. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/kowa/index.htm

51 Pegasi Was Discovered in 1995

 Events
Oct 062024
 
51 Pegasi

51 Pegasi

51 Pegasi was discovered in 1995. It is the first sun-like star to have an exoplanet orbiting it. Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz first announced the discovery, and other scientists have confirmed the presence of the planet, now called Bellerophon. Children can enjoy the GREAT infographic of the star at: 51 Pegasi.