What happened in July 1959?
The top front-page story of each day in July 1959, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Jul 1🔭 Space Telescope Planned – The U.S. announces plans for a space telescope expected to advance astronomy, with completion projected in five years.
- Jul 2🔬 Scientists Hope to Orbit Clock – Tests with an atomic device aim to check relativity theory, marking a significant scientific advancement.
- Jul 3🕊️ Pope Urges Peace – Pope John XXIII's first encyclical calls for global peace efforts and supports East-West negotiations.
- Jul 4🚀 U.S. Launches Satellite – The U.S. prepares to launch a 91.5-pound satellite, marking the beginning of advanced research in space technology.
- Jul 5🇺🇸 Nation Unfurls Flag – Celebrations across the U.S. mark July 4 with the 49-star flag, highlighting Alaska's statehood and low auto tolls.
- Jul 6🌍 Ben-Gurion Resigns – Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion resigns amid a crisis over arms sales, prompting calls for a new cabinet formation.
- Jul 7🚀 Soviet Space Animals – Soviet Union successfully recovers three space animals, including two dogs and a rabbit, from a mission into the upper atmosphere.
- Jul 8🌾 Old Crop Wheat Rises – Wheat prices increase unexpectedly during harvest season, contrasting typical market behavior.
- Jul 9⚓ Danish Tourist Boat Disaster – 44 dead after a Danish tourist boat explodes and burns on a lake, with many others injured from the apparent overload.
- Jul 10🔬 Live Virus Tests Hailed – Russian trials on live virus vaccines show promise for future use, according to developer Sabin.
- Jul 11⛵ Long Island Race – 14 crafts entered the annual 180-mile race around Long Island, starting off Rockaway Point.
- Jul 12🌍 U.S. Fair Whet Russians' Curiosity – Exhibit aims to project American image behind the Iron Curtain, sparking interest among Soviet citizens.
- Jul 13🌾 Global Rice Production Peak – United Nations forecasts a 7% increase in global rice production, reaching a new record high this year.
- Jul 14🌌 Moon Garden Grown – Vegetables grown in pressurized glass jars may be key to sustaining diets for astronauts on future space missions.
- Jul 15🚢 Nuclear Cruiser Launched – U.S. Navy's first atom-powered surface ship is launched at Quincy Yard, marking a significant advancement in naval technology.
- Jul 16🌍 Science Ship Returns – Columbia Schooner concludes 9-month mission, providing valuable sea data for geological research on Earth's crust.
- Jul 17🔭 Largest Telescope Dedicated – California University dedicates the Lick Reflector, the second largest telescope in the world, enhancing astronomical research.
- Jul 18🏛️ Olive Oil Production High – Olive oil production in Tunisia reaches a record level, with Spain shifting from exporter to importer, while Italy becomes a major supplier.
- Jul 19🔬 New NATO Radar Tested – Britain's new air-defense radar proves effective during NATO exercises in the Atlantic, enhancing military capabilities.
- Jul 20🌍 Panama Canal Tests – Test bores taken at the Panama Canal for channel widening along the Galliard Cut to improve navigation.
- Jul 21🌍 NATO Exercises Enhance Defense – NATO conducts submarine exercises in the Atlantic, improving air defenses while revealing weaknesses in operations.
- Jul 22🔬 Heavy Water Method Revealed – A New Rochelle man unveils a decade-old secret method for producing heavy water, previously kept under wraps.
- Jul 23🏛️ Pope John Opens Hall – Pope John XXIII holds his first mass audience in a newly constructed hall at Castel Gandolfo.
- Jul 24🔬 New Diode 'Tube' Unveiled – General Electric introduces a new diode tube, claiming it surpasses transistors and predicts the rise of pocket FM radios.
- Jul 25🌍 Nixon-Khrushchev Debate – Nixon and Khrushchev engage in a public debate at the opening of the U.S. exhibit in Moscow, discussing peace and competition.
- Jul 26🚢 New Hovercraft Crosses Channel – British-built hovercraft successfully skims from Calais to Dover, showcasing innovative transportation technology.
- Jul 27🔬 Bacterium Dissects Virus – Berkeley scientists discover a bacterium that breaks down viruses, potentially advancing biological research.
- Jul 28🔬 U.S. Aids Nepal's Progress – U.S. funding and technical skills support development in a wild but fertile valley of Nepal.
- Jul 29🌍 Nixon Promotes Open Travel – Nixon advocates for lifting travel restrictions to 'closed' Soviet cities, promoting peace and friendship during his visit to Siberia.
- Jul 30🏛️ Eisenhower Hails Election – President Eisenhower praises the multi-racial backgrounds of election victors, highlighting GOP's positive response.
- Jul 31🏛️ Parliament Ends Amicably – British Parliament concludes session positively, showcasing government strength under Macmillan's leadership.
Happy Birthday! 1959 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1959 in real headlines. See the 1959 book →
Born in July? Pick the day
Every birthday in July has its own On This Day in Headlines book: