SOLRAD 2 was a surveillance and scientific satellite developed by the
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Like the similar SOLRAD 1 satellite
(model pictured), it was intended to measure solar X-rays and
ultraviolet radiation while conducting a covert surveillance mission,
mapping the Soviet Union's air defense radar network with its onboard
Galactic Radiation and Background electronic surveillance package.
SOLRAD 1, launched in June 1960, had been the first satellite to
observe solar X-rays, confirming the connection between increased solar
X-ray activity and radio fade-outs, and the first to conduct
surveillance from orbit, revealing a Soviet network that was more
extensive than had been expected. SOLRAD 2 was launched along with the
Transit 3A satellite atop a Thor DM-21 Ablestar rocket on November 30,
1960, but both satellites failed to reach orbit when the booster flew
off course and was destroyed. Debris rained down over Cuba, prompting
protests from the Cuban government.
Read more: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SOLRAD_2>
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Today's selected anniversaries:
1775:
Ethan Allen and a small force of American and Quebec militia
failed in their attempt to capture Montreal from British forces.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Longue-Pointe>
1944:
Second World War: British troops began their withdrawal from
the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands, ending the Allies' Operation
Market Garden in defeat.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Arnhem>
1964:
Unrest and frustration amongst many indigenous Mozambican
populations against Portuguese rule erupted in a war for independence
that lasted ten years.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mozambican_War_of_Independence>
1996:
The last Irish Magdalene asylum (example pictured), an
institution to rehabilitate so-called "fallen women", was closed.
<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdalene_asylum>
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Wiktionary's word of the day:
jovial:
1. (comparable) Cheerful and good-humoured; jolly, merry.
2. (not comparable, astrology, obsolete) Pertaining to the astrological
influence of the planet Jupiter; having the characteristics of a person
under such influence (see sense 1).
<https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/jovial>
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Wikiquote quote of the day:
The actions of the Trump Presidency revealed the dishonorable
fact of the President's betrayal of his oath of office, betrayal of our
national security, and betrayal of the integrity of our elections.
Therefore, today, I am announcing the House of Representatives is moving
forward with an official impeachment inquiry. I am directing our six
Committees to proceed with their investigations under that umbrella of
impeachment inquiry. The President must be held accountable. No one is
above the law.
--Nancy Pelosi
<https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi>