What happened in December 1957?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1957, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Dec 1🌍 U.N. Bootblack Linguist – Jimmy Rinaldi, an 11-year-old shoeshiner, impresses at the U.N. by greeting in 27 languages.
- Dec 2🚀 First Satellite Launch – U.S. prepares to launch its first satellite, with the rocket poised at a Florida site for an expected launch this week.
- Dec 3🎄 Rockefeller Center Tree – A 65-foot spruce tree is replanted in Rockefeller Center, marking the holiday season in New York City.
- Dec 4🚀 U.S. Ready to Launch – The U.S. prepares to launch a test satellite, with scientists optimistic about its potential to orbit successfully.
- Dec 5🚀 Digital Computer Developed – A new digital computer designed for jets is reported to be capable of flying interceptors through all combat phases.
- Dec 6🚀 U.S. Rocket Launch – U.S. prepares to launch a rocket aimed at placing a satellite into orbit, fixing a leaky valve ahead of the event.
- Dec 7🚀 Rocket Burns on Beach – Vanguard rocket fails to launch test satellite, rising only a few feet before flames destroy it, marking a setback for U.S. space efforts.
- Dec 8🔬 Research Voyage Ends – A vessel concludes its research voyage in the Caribbean, gathering significant data on the Cariaco Trench off Venezuela's coast.
- Dec 9🌍 South Pole Discovery – Scientist reveals land above sea level at the South Pole, indicating Earth is under 8,297 feet of snow and ice.
- Dec 10🚀 Rocket Failure Investigated – Navy reports classified details on the malfunction of a satellite attempt, citing damage to the test stand.
- Dec 11🌍 Ross Ice Thickness Found – Antarctic Traverse Party reports Ross Ice is 1,000 feet thick, revealing significant geological data.
- Dec 12🔬 Scientists Hunt Aurora – A Colorado group seeks proof of auroras on Venus, following reports from Russian scientists about lights on the planet.
- Dec 13🔬 Radiation Study Funded – Three universities receive $1.5 million in grants from the Rockefeller Fund to support research in radiation health.
- Dec 14🌍 Earth Density Device – Gravimeter test opens new methods for measuring Earth's crust beneath oceans, enhancing geological understanding.
- Dec 15🚢 New Israeli Liner Sails – The Israeli liner Jerusalem embarks on its maiden voyage, marking a significant milestone in maritime transport.
- Dec 16🔬 Satellites Yield Data – U.S. scientists study satellite recordings to gain insights into the ionosphere and atmospheric layers.
- Dec 17🔬 Russians Visit Radiation Lab – Four Russian scientists toured the Coast Bevatron, praising British work in radiation research during their visit.
- Dec 18🎨 Bolshoi Ballet Premiere – The Bolshoi Ballet's performance opens at the Fifty-fifth Street Playhouse, showcasing excerpts from the renowned Moscow company.
- Dec 19🔬 Scientists Learn Neutron Size – Researchers report that neutrons measure 10 trillionths of an inch when lined up, advancing particle physics.
- Dec 20✈️ Airline Links London, Moscow – A pact signed in London establishes direct flights between British and Soviet airlines, enhancing travel connections.
- Dec 21🔬 Synthetic Chocolate Patented – A new synthetic chocolate is patented, promising benefits for seasickness and cocoa allergies while keeping milk sweet.
- Dec 22🎶 Composers' Best Friend – Professional musicians find inspiration in modern groups, enhancing the world of music and collaboration.
- Dec 23🌍 Hillary-Fuchs South Pole Race – New Zealand team departs for South Pole, aiming to reach it before the British party, each facing 500 miles ahead.
- Dec 24🚢 First Atomic Submarine – Navy commissions Skate, the first assembly-line atomic submarine, marking a significant advancement in naval technology.
- Dec 25🌍 Geologists Probe Polar Crevasses – Antarctic survey reveals ice shelf cycles of widening and shrinking, contributing to climate change research.
- Dec 26🔬 Borneo Prehistoric Find – A vast cave in Borneo yields skeletons over 40,000 years old along with an array of ancient stone tools.
- Dec 27🔬 Radiation Beam Study – Powerful proton unit used in cancer research is housed at the University of Chicago, advancing medical studies.
- Dec 28🔬 U.S. Promotes Salk Vaccine – The U.S. intensifies efforts to use the Salk vaccine amid reports of outdated stock being destroyed.
- Dec 29🚀 Men in Satellite Expected – Rocket experts propose a 10-point plan to position the U.S. as a leader in space exploration by 1962.
- Dec 30🌍 Flood Aid to Ceylon – U.S. Navy rushes flood relief to Ceylon as President Eisenhower orders assistance for 300,000 homeless victims.
- Dec 31🌍 U.S.-Soviet Pact Set – A new agreement on trading data and visits between the U.S. and Soviet Union is reached, covering science, industry, and arts.
Happy Birthday! 1957 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1957 in real headlines. See the 1957 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: