Ranger 8 - Sixty Years On

Sixty years ago, on 17 February 1965, an Atlas LV-3 Agena B rocket sent Ranger 8 into space from Cape Kennedy Air Force Station's Launch Complex 12.

NASA's Ranger program, a mission involving 9 probes, aimed at capturing high-resolution lunar images before impact.

The goal was to take detailed images of the lunar surface to aid in planning the Apollo missions.

Ranger 8 transmitted 7,137 images to Earth before a controlled crash in the Sea of Tranquility lunar region on February 20, 1965.

The selection of landing sites for subsequent Apollo missions, including Apollo 11, depended on the provided images.

Birth of the Tyre Inventor

Scottish veterinarian and inventor John Boyd Dunlop, who developed the first practical pneumatic tyre, was born 185 years ago today (1840–1921).

In 1887, he created the tyre to improve his son's tricycle ride, reducing discomfort from rough roads. His invention revolutionised transportation, particularly for bicycles and later automobiles.

Despite Dunlop's 1888 pneumatic tyre patent, Robert William Thomson had patented a similar concept in 1845.

However, Dunlop's version gained commercial success, leading to the foundation of the Dunlop Rubber Company, which became a major player in the tyre industry.

Gardeners owe John a debt of gratitude; his wheelbarrow tyre innovation can be a lifesaver!

Happy Birthday to Eddie Van Halen.

Today would have been the 70th birthday of Eddie Van Halen, Dutch-born American rock guitarist and songwriter.

Eddie Van Halen (January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020) was a legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. 

Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists ever, Eddie revolutionised rock guitar with his distinctive style, exceptional technique, and creative use of effects.

He pioneered the "two-handed tapping" technique, which allows guitarists to play rapid arpeggios and melodic lines that would be difficult with traditional picking techniques.

Eddie, a native of the Netherlands, moved to the United States with his family in 1962.

He battled health challenges, including tongue and throat cancer, but continued to perform and inspire musicians until his passing in 2020.

Eddie Van Halen's contributions to music and guitar playing continue to influence generations of artists, cementing his place as a rock icon.

The Death of George Orwell

Today sees the 75th anniversary of the death of George Orwell

George Orwell, the British author best known for his novels 1984 and Animal Farm, died in the early hours of January 21, 1950, in London, England. 

He passed away, aged 46 from complications related to tuberculosis after a pulmonary artery rupture. He was laid to rest at the All Saints parish churchyard in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.

Born in June 1903, Eric Arthur Blair was an English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist and critic who wrote successfully under the pen name George Orwell.

In a 2008 Times newspaper ranking, Orwell was named the second-greatest British writer since 1945, second only to Philip Larkin.

Trotsky Removed as Red Army Leader

Trotsky pictured in 1918

Leon Trotsky was removed as leader of the Red Army on this date in January 1925, during an intense political struggle within the Soviet leadership. 

This event marked a significant turning point in the power dynamics of the Soviet Union.

Trotsky was a key figure in organising the Red Army during the Russian Civil War (1918–1921). His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in securing Bolshevik victories against the White forces and other adversaries.

Stalin pictured in 1943

Lenin's death in 1924 triggered a power struggle between Trotsky, Stalin, and their followers.

Ideological differences between Trotsky ("permanent revolution") and Stalin ("socialism in one country") resulted in conflict.

To weaken Trotsky's standing in the Communist Party, Stalin, in collaboration with his temporary allies Zinoviev and Kamenev, implemented a systematic plan.

Many in the party leadership were alienated by Trotsky because of his criticisms of party policy and his perceived arrogance.

Frunze pictured in 1925

On 15th January 1925, Stalin and his allies succeeded in removing Trotsky from his position as People's Commissar of Military and Naval Affairs (effectively the head of the Red Army). A loyal Stalinist and leading military commander, Mikhail Frunze, became his successor.

The dismissal of Trotsky from the Red Army served as a critical turning point, signifying the end of the post-revolutionary collective leadership and paving the way for Stalin's absolute power.

The Return of Oslo

Oslo, the capital of Norway, was previously known as Christiania (or Kristiania in Norwegian). 

Following a devastating 1624 fire, King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway renamed the rebuilt city Christiania.

Oslo, the city's ancient name, was restored 100 years ago today, January 1st, 1925, after a period when it wasn't used, post-medieval fire. 

King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway

The origin of the name Oslo is likely Old Norse; it might mean "meadow at the foot of a hill" or "meadow of the gods."

Pinochet's Rise to Power in Chile.

Augusto Pinochet became President of Chile on this day (17th December) in 1974.

However, he became the de facto leader of Chile on September 11, 1973, after leading a military coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende's democratically elected government. 

Pinochet's rise to power began with his taking the chairmanship of the Military Junta, culminating in his presidency in 1974.

From its beginning until 1990, the Pinochet regime was defined by its authoritarian government, its disregard for human rights, and its neoliberal economic reforms. 

His rule continued until 1990, even after a 1988 referendum voted against him.

Memorial to victims of Pinochet's regime

Pinochet's rule remains a source of intense controversy. Although his economic reforms led to growth, they also exacerbated inequality, and his human rights abuses continue to haunt Chile to this day.