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Welcome to otter.net! Dive into history with us as we bring you daily snapshots of historical events, re-imagined with otters as the stars.
Follow along for your daily dose of knowledge, creativity, and otterly delightful surprises. #HistoryWithOtters #DailyHistory
Follow along for your daily dose of knowledge, creativity, and otterly delightful surprises. #HistoryWithOtters #DailyHistory
In 2016, scientists with LIGO announced they had directly detected gravitational waves from two merging black holes, confirming Einstein’s prediction and opening a new way to study the universe.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_observation_of_gravitational_waves
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_observation_of_gravitational_waves
February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 2016, scientists with LIGO announced they had directly detected gravitational waves from two merging black holes, confirming Einstein’s prediction and opening a new way to study the universe.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_observation_of_gravitational_waves
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_observation_of_gravitational_waves
In 1840, Queen Victoria’s celebrated London wedding to Prince Albert popularized the white wedding dress and helped create a more family-focused image of the British monarchy.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Queen_Victoria_and_Prince_Albert
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Queen_Victoria_and_Prince_Albert
February 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1840, Queen Victoria’s celebrated London wedding to Prince Albert popularized the white wedding dress and helped create a more family-focused image of the British monarchy.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Queen_Victoria_and_Prince_Albert
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_of_Queen_Victoria_and_Prince_Albert
In 1895, YMCA instructor William G. Morgan created and demonstrated an indoor game—soon renamed volleyball—by having teams volley a ball over a net in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volleyball
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volleyball
February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1895, YMCA instructor William G. Morgan created and demonstrated an indoor game—soon renamed volleyball—by having teams volley a ball over a net in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volleyball
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volleyball
In 1960, Los Angeles workers placed the first brass-and-terrazzo stars on Hollywood Boulevard, launching the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor entertainers.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame
February 8, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1960, Los Angeles workers placed the first brass-and-terrazzo stars on Hollywood Boulevard, launching the Hollywood Walk of Fame to honor entertainers.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame
In 1940, Walt Disney’s animated film “Pinocchio” premiered at New York City’s Center Theatre, dazzling audiences and critics with its groundbreaking animation and memorable music.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(1940_film)
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(1940_film)
February 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1940, Walt Disney’s animated film “Pinocchio” premiered at New York City’s Center Theatre, dazzling audiences and critics with its groundbreaking animation and memorable music.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(1940_film)
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinocchio_(1940_film)
In 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell conducted a second moonwalk on the Moon’s Fra Mauro highlands, gathered rock samples, humorously played golf in low gravity, and then blasted off to rejoin crewmate Stuart Roosa in orbit for their return journey to Earth.
February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell conducted a second moonwalk on the Moon’s Fra Mauro highlands, gathered rock samples, humorously played golf in low gravity, and then blasted off to rejoin crewmate Stuart Roosa in orbit for their return journey to Earth.
In 1909, chemist Leo Hendrik Baekeland announced Bakelite—the first fully synthetic, heat-resistant plastic—at a New York Chemical Society meeting, demonstrating its easy molding and durable, nonconductive properties for countless practical uses.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite
February 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1909, chemist Leo Hendrik Baekeland announced Bakelite—the first fully synthetic, heat-resistant plastic—at a New York Chemical Society meeting, demonstrating its easy molding and durable, nonconductive properties for countless practical uses.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakelite
In 2004, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook from his dorm room, and it rapidly expanded from a campus directory into the global social network now known as Facebook.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Facebook
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Facebook
February 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 2004, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched Thefacebook from his dorm room, and it rapidly expanded from a campus directory into the global social network now known as Facebook.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Facebook
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Facebook
In 1966, the Soviet Luna 9 spacecraft made the first gentle landing on the Moon and sent back photos that proved its surface could support future missions.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_9
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_9
February 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1966, the Soviet Luna 9 spacecraft made the first gentle landing on the Moon and sent back photos that proved its surface could support future missions.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_9
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luna_9
In 1913, New York City’s Grand Central Terminal opened to the public, providing an electrically powered, two-level train station that instantly became the world’s largest rail hub and a lasting architectural landmark.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
February 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1913, New York City’s Grand Central Terminal opened to the public, providing an electrically powered, two-level train station that instantly became the world’s largest rail hub and a lasting architectural landmark.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal
In 1884, Oxford University Press issued the first serialized installment of the Oxford English Dictionary, overseen by editor James Murray, launching a groundbreaking, comprehensive record of English words.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary
February 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1884, Oxford University Press issued the first serialized installment of the Oxford English Dictionary, overseen by editor James Murray, launching a groundbreaking, comprehensive record of English words.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary
In 1958, the United States launched its first orbiting satellite, Explorer 1, which not only circled Earth but also discovered the Van Allen radiation belts, marking America’s entry into the space age.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_1
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_1
January 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1958, the United States launched its first orbiting satellite, Explorer 1, which not only circled Earth but also discovered the Van Allen radiation belts, marking America’s entry into the space age.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_1
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_1
In 1969, The Beatles surprised Londoners with an impromptu rooftop concert at their Apple Corps headquarters, marking their last public performance.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_rooftop_concert
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_rooftop_concert
January 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1969, The Beatles surprised Londoners with an impromptu rooftop concert at their Apple Corps headquarters, marking their last public performance.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_rooftop_concert
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles%27_rooftop_concert
In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven” debuted in the New-York Evening Mirror and, through rapid nationwide reprints, swiftly catapulted him to national literary fame.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven
January 29, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1845, Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven” debuted in the New-York Evening Mirror and, through rapid nationwide reprints, swiftly catapulted him to national literary fame.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven
In 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff when a cold-weather-compromised O-ring failed, killing all seven astronauts and spurring major NASA safety reforms.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster
January 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff when a cold-weather-compromised O-ring failed, killing all seven astronauts and spurring major NASA safety reforms.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster
In 1880, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for his practical incandescent light bulb, kick-starting the widespread adoption of electric lighting.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb
January 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1880, Thomas Edison received a U.S. patent for his practical incandescent light bulb, kick-starting the widespread adoption of electric lighting.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb
In 1905, miners at South Africa’s Premier Mine discovered the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond—the largest gem ever found—which was later presented to Britain’s King Edward VII.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cullinan_Diamond
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cullinan_Diamond
January 26, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1905, miners at South Africa’s Premier Mine discovered the 3,106-carat Cullinan Diamond—the largest gem ever found—which was later presented to Britain’s King Edward VII.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cullinan_Diamond
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cullinan_Diamond
In 1924, the first-ever Winter Olympics opened in Chamonix, France, bringing together athletes from 16 nations to compete in a week of winter sports that launched the tradition of the Winter Games.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Winter_Olympics
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Winter_Olympics
January 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1924, the first-ever Winter Olympics opened in Chamonix, France, bringing together athletes from 16 nations to compete in a week of winter sports that launched the tradition of the Winter Games.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Winter_Olympics
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1924_Winter_Olympics
In 1848, carpenter James W. Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in California sparked a massive influx of prospectors that quickly reshaped the region’s population, economy, and route to statehood.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush
January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1848, carpenter James W. Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in California sparked a massive influx of prospectors that quickly reshaped the region’s population, economy, and route to statehood.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush
In 1960, the submersible Trieste carried explorers Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh to the bottom of the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep, achieving the deepest manned dive in history.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathyscaphe_Trieste
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathyscaphe_Trieste
January 23, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1960, the submersible Trieste carried explorers Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh to the bottom of the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep, achieving the deepest manned dive in history.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathyscaphe_Trieste
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathyscaphe_Trieste
In 1970, Pan American World Airways made aviation history by operating the first commercial Boeing 747 flight from New York to London, introducing the spacious “jumbo jet” to the traveling public.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747
January 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1970, Pan American World Airways made aviation history by operating the first commercial Boeing 747 flight from New York to London, introducing the spacious “jumbo jet” to the traveling public.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747
In 1976, Concorde made its commercial debut when British Airways and Air France simultaneously launched supersonic passenger flights from London and Paris.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde
January 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1976, Concorde made its commercial debut when British Airways and Air France simultaneously launched supersonic passenger flights from London and Paris.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde
In 1986, the United States celebrated its first nationwide Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the civil-rights leader with parades, church services, concerts, school lessons, and community volunteer projects across the country.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
January 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1986, the United States celebrated its first nationwide Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the civil-rights leader with parades, church services, concerts, school lessons, and community volunteer projects across the country.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr._Day
In 2006, NASA launched the record-breaking New Horizons spacecraft from Cape Canaveral to begin its journey toward Pluto and the distant reaches of the Solar System.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons
January 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 2006, NASA launched the record-breaking New Horizons spacecraft from Cape Canaveral to begin its journey toward Pluto and the distant reaches of the Solar System.
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Horizons
In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to reach Hawaii, peacefully trading with islanders and mapping the archipelago he dubbed the “Sandwich Islands.”
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hawaii#European_arrival
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hawaii#European_arrival
January 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM
In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to reach Hawaii, peacefully trading with islanders and mapping the archipelago he dubbed the “Sandwich Islands.”
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hawaii#European_arrival
Learn more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hawaii#European_arrival