What happened in April 1962?
The top front-page story of each day in April 1962, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Apr 1🔬 Swiss Nuclear Arms Vote – Swiss voters consider a charter amendment to ban nuclear arms, marking a significant moment in global disarmament discussions.
- Apr 2🏗️ Stockholm's New Airport Open – Stockholm opens a new airport, easing inspection processes, but a 50-minute taxi ride frustrates many travelers.
- Apr 3🔬 X-Rays Efficient for Cancer – X-rays found effective in treating half of operable breast cancer cases, urging annual check-ups.
- Apr 4🏒 Rangers Square Series – Rangers beat Leafs 4-2, tying the Stanley Cup series. Rookie Gilbert scores two goals and assists in the victory.
- Apr 5🌍 Kennedy to Visit Brazil – President Kennedy plans a visit to Brazil, aiming to strengthen ties and hinting at an accord on expropriation issues.
- Apr 6🌌 Lush Plant Life on Mars – Biologist suggests potential for lush plant life and animals on Mars, though doubts about extraterrestrial life remain.
- Apr 7🔬 Soviet Satellite Launch – Soviet Union continues its satellite series with Cosmos II, aimed at scientific observations, amid U.S. launch delays.
- Apr 8🚀 Moon Landing Proposal – A new plan for a lunar landing is proposed, involving a craft launched into orbit with a capsule for two astronauts.
- Apr 9🏌️ Masters Golf Playoff – Three golfers tie for first in the Masters, leading to a historic 18-hole playoff in Augusta, marking a first in the tournament's history.
- Apr 10🔬 Radiation Research Advances – Small radar waves found to reduce harmful effects of X-rays in animals, suggesting protective measures for space flight.
- Apr 11🛰️ Canaveral Base Opens – Canaveral Base is opened to U.N. diplomats, marking a significant moment in international cooperation on space exploration.
- Apr 12🎨 Stolen Cézannes Found – Eight stolen Cézanne paintings were discovered in an abandoned car in Marseille, France, with police closing in on the gang responsible.
- Apr 13🌍 Peace Corps Expansion – Senate approves increase in Peace Corps volunteers from 2,400 to 10,000, enhancing U.S. global outreach efforts.
- Apr 14🏆 Gardner Breaks High Jump – Gardner sets a new high jump record at 6 feet 8 inches, defeating Oerter, Kohler, and Gubner in a remarkable performance.
- Apr 15🔬 Computers Decode Mayan – Soviet mathematicians successfully use computers to translate ancient Mayan writings, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding this civilization.
- Apr 16🔬 New Virus Discovery – Cancer experts hail the finding of a new virus that could accelerate leukemia research and drug testing.
- Apr 17🏛️ Seattle World's Fair Preview – The Seattle World's Fair is previewed, showcasing significant attractions like Yamasaki's Science Pavilion.
- Apr 18🔬 New Cancer Clue Found – Scientists at Sloan-Kettering report observing an unknown substance that inhibits malignancies, prompting a search to isolate the agent.
- Apr 19🌍 New Astronauts Selected – NASA plans to select five to ten new astronauts for the Gemini program, focusing on advancing space exploration objectives.
- Apr 20🌍 U.N. Forces Free Tshombe – U.N. forces in Congo lift the ban on plane travel, allowing Katangese leader Tshombe to return home.
- Apr 21🔬 250,000 Refugees Return – U.N. prepares for 250,000 refugees to return to Algeria, with food aid from the U.S. for camps at borders.
- Apr 22🚀 Moon Shot Tomorrow – U.S. prepares for a significant space week, launching an instrument payload, including a TV camera, aboard an international satellite.
- Apr 23🚀 U.S. Moon Shot Today – The Ranger spacecraft is set to launch, aiming to take images and gather data from the lunar surface.
- Apr 24🚀 Moon Rocket Launched – Ranger IV launched but fails to transmit data, expected to crash on the far side of the moon due to battery issues.
- Apr 25🌕 Ranger IV Nears Moon – Crippled Ranger IV continues its journey towards the Moon, transmitting data successfully as part of the Soviet space program.
- Apr 26🌍 Explosion Stirs Reaction – An explosion prompts global reactions, with Western Europe supporting nuclear tests while the Soviet Union condemns them.
- Apr 27🌕 Ranger IV Moon Crash – Ranger IV crashes on the Moon after a 64-hour journey, marking a significant achievement for U.S. space exploration.
- Apr 28🌋 Soviet A-Blast Effects – Soviet atomic blast likened to Krakatoa eruption, with effects potentially surpassing nature's greatest upheaval.
- Apr 29🏛️ Eisenhower Library Opens – The Eisenhower Presidential Library is dedicated in Abilene, Kansas, honoring the legacy of the 34th U.S. President.
- Apr 30🏟️ Giants' Winning Streak – Giants extend winning streak to five games as Sanford and Pierce pitch three-hitters; Mays hits a two-run homer against the Cubs.
Happy Birthday! 1962 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1962 in real headlines. See the 1962 book →