Pathfinder Landed on Mars in 1997

 Events
Jul 042024
 

Mars Surface

Pathfinder landed on the surface of Mars in 1997. The craft, launched on December 5, 1996, traveled for 211 days and 309 million miles to reach the surface of Mars. A small rover named Sojourner (named after Sojourner Truth) traveled about the surface and analyzed rocks and the surface of the planet. The two vehicles (both significantly outliving scientific estimates) sent back 2.3 billion bits of data before transmissions stopped on September 27, 1997. Children can view some of the images of Mars at: Pathfinder.

Venezuela Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jul 052024
 

Flag of Venezuela

Venezuela celebrates Independence Day. Spain gave up control of the country in 1821. Located in northern South America, Venezuela is about twice the size of California. It has a tropical climate, and petroleum provides a major portion of its economy. About 28.5 million people live in the country, and most of the cities are located along the Caribbean coastline. Caracas is the capital. Over eight million people live in Venezuela. Children can learn more at: Venezuela. Children could print and color a page about Venezuela at: Venezuela Art.

Isle of Man Celebrates Tynwald Day

 Events
Jul 052024
 
Flag of Isle of Man

Flag of Isle of Man

Isle of Man celebrates Tynwald Day. The island, located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland, is about three times the size of Washington, DC. It is a British crown dependency but not part of the United Kingdom. Not quite 85,000 people live there, and Douglas is the capital. Its economy is based on tourism and small manufacturing. Children can learn more at: Isle of Man.

Republic of Cabo Verde Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Jul 052024
 

Flag of Cabo Verde

Republic of Cabo Verde (previously known as Cape Verde) celebrates Independence Day. Portugal relinquished all claims to the country in 1975. During the exploration period, the islands served as supply stations. During the last century, whaling became an important source of income. The country is actually composed of fifteen islands, and the combined area is about the size of Rhode Island. The climate is temperate, but water is scarce and droughts are common. About a half million people live in this country west of Africa. Praia is the capital. Children can learn more at: Republic of Cabo Verde.