History doesn't always follow a straight line. Some days quietly accumulate events that eventually impact science, faith, politics, and sports in significant ways. February 18 is one such day. Throughout history and across the globe, February 18 has seen many significant events, discoveries, and firsts.
Birth of Ramakrishna (1836)
Hindu spiritual leader Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa was born on February 18, 1836, in Kamarpukur, West Bengal. He later became a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata. His teachings combined different schools of Hindu thought and spirituality. He also taught about the unity of religions. His thoughts influenced many, including Swami Vivekananda, who went on to establish the Ramakrishna Mission.
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Pluto identified at Lowell Observatory (1930)
On February 18, 1930, Clyde W. Tombaugh was looking through photographic plates at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was 24 years old and had no formal degree in astronomy. He was looking for a new planet and spotted Pluto. The new planet was a significant addition to our solar system, although it was later reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. It was, and remains, one of the most significant astronomical discoveries of the 20th century.
Latin American Free Trade Association established (1960)
Seven countries from Latin America signed the Treaty of Montevideo on this day in 1960, creating the Latin American Free Trade Association. The treaty was intended to increase economic integration in the region, making trade easier among these nations. However, in 1980, it was replaced by the Latin American Integration Association, which is still active today.
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Shani Davis wins historic winter Olympic Gold (2006)
At the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in 2006, speed skater Shani Davis won gold in the men's 1,000-meter long track speed skating competition. This made him the first black man to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Games.
WikiLeaks begins publishing classified US Documents (2010)
In 2010, WikiLeaks began to release classified documents provided by Bradley Manning, who later changed his name to Chelsea Manning, an intelligence analyst in the United States Army. The release of these documents was celebrated as one of the largest unauthorised disclosures of classified information in U.S. history, leading to an important global discussion about national security and transparency.
