1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Space / Astronomy

On This Date in History - September 14

by Nick Greene
for About.com

Daily Extra :


Astronomy & Space Fact

The largest recorded specimen of the blue whale is 33 meters (110 feet) long -- about the height of an 11-story building.

Today in History:


1712: Giovanni Domenico Cassini died in Paris, France.

1959: Luna 2 - USSR Lunar Hard Lander impacted on the moon. Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to impact the surface of the moon.

1968: Zond 5 - USSR Lunar Flyby launched. Lunar fly-around and earth return.

1978: Venera 12 - USSR Venus Flyby/Lander launched. Venera 12 landed on December 21, 1978 and returned data for 110 minutes. Electrical discharges, probably from lightning, were recorded.

Featured Astronomy Image of the Week

Check out the former Astronomy Picture of the Day. See what surprises await you this week.

Explore Space / Astronomy

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Space / Astronomy

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.