People say that we should always move forward. But we should also look back to reflect on ourselves. Other experiences could be lessons for us. Or they could provide motivation. The events that happened in history shaped our present World. Many motivating and intriguing events happened on this day. So let’s look back at the history of December 7.
source- pinterest.com
1732: The opening of The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, London.
The Royal Opera House is one of the most Important Performing Centers in London. It is in Covent Garden, City of Westminster, London. It also where the oldest ballet and National Opera company resides. Also known just Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House has been through 3 buildings. The first building burned down in 1808. While it was rebuild again the next year, another fire broke out in 1856. The current building, a fireproof building, may I add, is its third building. The third time’s the charm, I guess. It is also where a public performance of piano took place for the first time. The first performance of ‘ballet d ’action’ happened here. It was the first theatre to use the limelight to light its actors.
1804: First report of a decrease in intensity of Earth’s field from near the equator.
This discovery holds a very important place in the world of Science. In the nineteenth century, de Lamanon, de Rossel, and Alexander Von Humboldt discovered a decrease of intensity while approaching the equator. In 1804, Humboldt published the first sketch of lines of equal magnetic strength or “isodynamic zones.” He invented the terms “isodynamic” (lines of equal magnetic intensity), “isoclines” (lines of equal magnetic dip), and “magnetic storm”.
source- alamy.com
1877: Thomas Edison demonstrates his phonograph
A phonograph is a device that records mechanical sounds and plays them back. Edison was working on two other inventions. But while working on them, he developed a phonograph. On December 7, 1877, Thomas Edison showed his invention to the staff at offices of Scientific American in New York City. In 1880, Alexander Graham Bell used the money he earned by inventing the telephone to further improve the phonograph. He increased its durability and life. He called the new improved device Gramophone. Over time, phonograph developed into record players.
1909: Inventor Leo Baekeland patents Bakelite
Plastic has become quite an important part of our day-to-day life. You can find products or objects made of plastic, everywhere. Bakelite is the first plastic made from synthesized components. It was further synthesized to the plastic we know or see today. Baekeland announced his invention on February 8, 1909, in New York. He started producing it semi-commercially in his laboratory. By 1930, the Bakelite Corporation became one of the most successful manufactures in Bound Brook, New Jersey.
Bakelite changed the way they manufactured products. It was lightweight and could be molded into any shape and size. Bakelite jewelry dominated the fashion market. In the 1950s, with better alternatives in the market, bakelite drawbacks became apparent. And its use and demand in the market slowly diminished.
source- theatlantic.com
1972: Apollo 17 launched, where the crew takes the “blue marble” photo of Earth
Who hasn’t seen the blue marble photo of planet Earth? We have seen this view many times in movies, books, and magazines. But this photo of ‘the blue marble’ Earth taken during Apollo 17 journey remains memorable. While it wasn’t the first but the second color photo of the earth. It garnered more attention. The picture almost didn’t happen, as they were not supposed to be taking any. Apollo 17 was the final manned lunar landing mission by NASA. They launched it on December 7, 1972 from Kennedy Space Center, USA. This mission broke many records. It was the longest Moon landing, longest total moonwalks, largest lunar sample, and longest time in lunar orbit. While many more photos of Earth have published since then, this moment will forever remain iconic.
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