What happened in December 1962?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1962, 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🚀 Apollo Speed-Up Weighed – Kennedy requests a report on funding for the Apollo moon landing project, discussing potential speed-up of the mission.
- Dec 2⚛️ Twentieth Atomic Age Birthday – The 20th anniversary of the atomic age is marked, reflecting on its hopes and fears since the dawn of nuclear science.
- Dec 3🩻 New X-Ray Innovation – British scientists unveil a new X-ray technology that reduces radiation risk and aids in cancer surgery.
- Dec 4🌍 Garden Grows at South Pole – Researchers at an Antarctic base cultivate a tiny garden under ice, showcasing resilience and innovation in extreme conditions.
- Dec 5🔭 Russians Build Telescope – Soviet scientists are constructing a massive radio telescope covering 20 acres, the largest of its kind in existence.
- Dec 6☀️ World Research into Sun – A global program is initiated to study the sun, following the pattern of the International Geophysical Year.
- Dec 7🔬 Pesticides Study Challenges – U.S. panel struggles to assess chemical dangers, citing limited facts on the benefits and risks of pesticides.
- Dec 8🚀 Jet Belt for Space – A new jet belt allows astronauts to step out of spacecraft, enabling them to inspect or repair vehicles in space.
- Dec 9🏗️ New River Span – A new bridge linking Beacon and Newburgh is set to become the 8th toll crossing over the Hudson River.
- Dec 10🌍 Tanganyika Becomes Republic – Tanganyika is declared a republic with Julius Nyerere sworn in as president, marking a significant step in its independence journey.
- Dec 11🚀 U.S. Launches Satellite – The U.S. announces plans to launch a relay satellite, a successor to Telstar, to connect three continents.
- Dec 12🌍 Chile's President Hailed – President Allessandri is welcomed by Kennedy on the White House lawn, highlighting strong relations amid the Cuban crisis.
- Dec 13🗿 Sculptures Rise in Negev – Work of 11 artists adorns the Ramon Crater, symbolizing a new community and artistic expression in the desert.
- Dec 14🚀 Mariner Passes Venus – Caltech scientists successfully trigger observations as Mariner spacecraft passes near Venus, sending valuable data back to Earth.
- Dec 15🔬 Mariner Inspects Venus – Mariner spacecraft radios data from Venus, marking a historic scientific event in space exploration.
- Dec 16🚀 Jet Belt Innovation – A new jet belt allows astronauts to step out of their craft in space for assembly or repairs, marking a significant advancement in space technology.
- Dec 17🌌 Venus Volcanic Reports – Russian scientists claim Venus emits spectra similar to Earth’s, sparking debate over the findings and observations.
- Dec 18🔬 Mariner's Venus Data – Mariner spacecraft provides crucial data that may solve many mysteries about Venus, Earth's closest planetary neighbor.
- Dec 19🌍 South Korea Votes Constitution – South Korea supports a new constitution with 85% voter turnout, marking a significant democratic step.
- Dec 20💧 Water De-Salting Plant – A new water de-salting plant in Arizona is dedicated, hailed as a model for America in addressing water scarcity.
- Dec 21🌍 U.S. Research Budget Boost – U.S. sets research budget at $14.7 billion for 1963, a 31% increase from 1962, focusing on defense and innovation.
- Dec 22🚀 Space Budget Increase – The U.S. administration sets the 1964 space budget at $5.7 billion, focusing on lunar landing projects and nuclear rocket development.
- Dec 23🏅 U.S. to Help Athletes – The U.S. plans to train foreign athletes from Africa, Asia, and Latin America with college teams for upcoming competitions.
- Dec 24🌍 Yiddish Concerts Popular – Yiddish concerts in Moscow attract strong attendance, showcasing the Jewish community's eagerness for cultural programs.
- Dec 25🔬 Space Budget Increased – The U.S. sets a 1964 space budget of $5.7 billion, focusing on lunar landing projects and nuclear rocket development.
- Dec 26🌍 Devout Throng to Bethlehem – Thousands gather in Bethlehem for traditional rites honoring the Child Jesus, symbolizing peace and unity.
- Dec 27📈 Stock Market Rises – General rise in stock market; oil shares in demand with Jersey Standard reaching a high of 59 5/8.
- Dec 28🗿 Obelisk Puzzle Solved – The mystery of a stone in St. Peter's Square, linked to a saint's martyrdom, has been traced to an imperial figure.
- Dec 29🌍 Venus Rotation Discovered – Scientists found Venus rotates in the opposite direction to Earth and other planets, revealing new insights into planetary dynamics.
- Dec 30🗿 Obelisk Puzzle Solved – A stone in St. Peter's Square linked to Imperial Rome is traced to a saint's martyrdom, revealing historical significance.
- Dec 31🌍 U.N. Drives on Katanga – U.N. vows to end Katanga's secession as resistance ebbs and key towns are captured amid ongoing tensions.
Happy Birthday! 1962 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1962 in real headlines. See the 1962 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: