Today in the History of Astronomy | Astronomy.com

A wide, black-and-white photograph shows a gritty, rock-strewn ground extending across the frame, divided vertically by two thin, dark lines. In the lower right corner, a portion of a smooth, circular metallic spacecraft foot and its dark shadow rest on the dirt. The scene is lit by harsh sunlight from the upper right, casting sharp, dark shadows behind the numerous small rocks and pebbles.

Robotic Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 20, 1976: Viking 1 lands on Mars

A stark, high-contrast photograph captures a solid black circle perfectly centered against a jet-black background. A bright, glowing ring of white light radiates outward from behind the dark circle, creating a soft, hazy halo with faint streaks extending into the surrounding darkness.

Today in the History of Astronomy

July 19, 418: A solar eclipse/comet combo

A black-and-white photograph shows a person in a gleaming, metallic space suit and helmet standing inside a large, circular opening of a technical structure. The individual stands centrally, holding a small rectangular case in one hand and a hose in the other, positioned on a metal grate floor. The scene is brightly lit with sharp contrast, highlighting the reflective surfaces of the suit against a complex background of machinery, frames, and deep shadows.

Human Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 18, 1915: The birth of John Glenn

Two people are shaking hands through a circular hatch that connects two dark, enclosed spaces. The person on the right wears a tan jacket, while the other is partially visible inside the opening. The scene features high contrast, with deep shadows surrounding the brightly lit hands and faces.

Human Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 17, 1975: The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project link-up

A vintage, monochromatic photograph shows a grainy, dark grey surface with a single, small white star shining brightly in the exact center of the frame. The star emits a subtle, four-pointed cross of light against the textured, speckled background. The outer edges of the image are framed by uneven, darker tattered borders that appear worn and decayed.

Today in the History of Astronomy

July 16, 1850: Bond and Whipple photograph Vega

A color photograph shows a woman with short grey hair and glasses speaking from behind a long white desk, positioned in the center of the frame. She wears a blue blazer over a light-colored collared shirt, with an identification badge pinned to her lapel, and stands before a small desk microphone and a nameplate reading "J. BELL BURNELL." The setting is brightly lit, featured against a background panel with a textured, mottled blue and grey stone pattern.

Today in the History of Astronomy

July 15, 1943: Birth of Jocelyn Bell Burnell

A large spacecraft covered in crumpled gold foil occupies most of the frame against a solid black background. A large, prominent white dish antenna with gold supports is angled upward on the top of the vehicle, while a dark, cylindrical instrument structure extends outward from its upper right side. The scene is brightly lit from the upper left, creating a strong contrast between the gleaming gold surfaces, the bright white dish, and the dark void.

Robotic Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 14, 2015: New Horizon arrives at Pluto

Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. poses for a photograph beside the American flag on the Moon. The footprints of the astronauts are visible in the soil of the Moon. Neil A. Armstrong took this picture with a 70mm Hasselblad lunar surface camera. Credit: NASA.

Human Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 13, 1969: Luna 15 launches

A color photograph shows a complex, metallic spacecraft structure positioned in the center of the frame against a solid black background. The vehicle features a tall central column topped with a small dish antenna, large flat blue solar panels extending out like wings to the sides, and four large white spherical tanks clustered at its base. The lighting is direct and bright, creating high contrast between the shiny metallic surfaces, the white spheres, and the surrounding dark void.

Robotic Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 12, 1988: Phobos 2 launches

Today in the History of Astronomy

July 11, 1801: Jean-Louis Pons finds his first comet

A black-and-white studio portrait shows a man with dark, neatly parted hair and a thick mustache looking directly forward. He is dressed in a dark, textured jacket with a high white collar visible at his neck. The lighting is soft and even across his face, set against a plain, light grey background.

Today in the History of Astronomy

July 10, 1856: The birth of Nicola Tesla

A digital illustration shows a large, tan- and cream-banded planet on the left and a dark spacecraft with a prominent white dish antenna positioned to its right. Long, thin booms and antennas extend from the spacecraft, crossing in front of the planet and out toward the sides of the frame where several small, textured moons are scattered. The entire scene is set against a dark background dense with countless tiny, faint stars.

Robotic Spaceflight, Today in the History of Astronomy

July 9, 1979: Voyager 2’s Jupiter visit