What happened in February 1963?
The top front-page story of each day in February 1963, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Feb 1🚀 Explorer I Milestone – Explorer I completes five years in orbit, surpassing all U.S. and Soviet satellites, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Feb 2🌍 Global Nuclear Talks Stalled – President Kennedy prepares for new underground nuclear tests as talks on a ban are deadlocked, raising concerns about global nuclear safety.
- Feb 3🔬 Explorer I Milestone – Explorer I ends its fifth year in orbit, outlasting all U.S. and Soviet satellites, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Feb 4🌍 De Gaulle's Non – De Gaulle's rejection of NATO proposals creates divisions in the West, prompting discussions on European unity and U.S. pressure.
- Feb 5🌌 New Galaxy Insights – Astronomers present updated findings on the Milky Way, including energy radiation and the oldest star observed.
- Feb 6✈️ Aircraft Orders Boost Stocks – Large orders to McDonnell Aircraft lead to market recovery, with rail shares also gaining traction amid active trading.
- Feb 7🕊️ U.S. Test Ban Gains – White House claims a nuclear test ban would benefit the U.S., emphasizing the potential gains outweigh risks.
- Feb 8🔬 Thorium Studies Approved – General Atomics initiates research into thorium as a nuclear fuel, marking a significant step in energy development.
- Feb 9🌍 U.S. Resumes Atom Tests – The U.S. resumes nuclear tests after a two-month suspension, amid ongoing treaty negotiations with the Soviet Union.
- Feb 10🔬 Thorium Studies Approved – General Atomics initiates research on thorium as nuclear fuel, marking a significant step in energy development.
- Feb 11🌪️ Storm Displaces Thousands – Thousands flee from extensive storm damage at golf links, with final-round scores canceled and play resuming the next day.
- Feb 12🔭 Balloon Astronomy Ambition – A 36-inch telescope will be launched to enhance views of the universe, focusing on Mars' 'canals'.
- Feb 13💊 Drug Regulations Tightened – U.S. F.D.A. mandates proof of drug effectiveness and safety, tightening regulations for pharmaceutical companies.
- Feb 14🩺 Heart Disease Research – Recent developments in heart disease research show promise for prevention, with increased funding for studies on fat content.
- Feb 15🛰️ U.S. Satellite Lost – A new U.S. satellite intended for stationary orbit was lost 22,300 miles up, with a cost of $6 million.
- Feb 16🚢 Liner Collision Survival – Dutch luxury liner Maasdam collides with a wreck, but all 508 passengers and crew are safely evacuated.
- Feb 17❤️ Heart Disease Research – Recent developments in heart disease research show promise for disease prevention, with increased funding for studies.
- Feb 18🎶 Music Exchange Concert – A Canadian pianist, French cellist, Indian conductor, and U.S. orchestra performed together at Carnegie Hall.
- Feb 19🏆 Von Karman Wins Prize – President Kennedy awards the first U.S. Science Prize to aerodynamicist Theodore von Karman for his significant contributions.
- Feb 20🌍 Soviet Cuts in Cuba – Soviet Union promises to reduce military presence in Cuba before March 15, addressing U.S. concerns over the region.
- Feb 21🚀 Glenn Donates Space Gear – John Glenn presents his space capsule and gear to the Smithsonian, marking a significant moment in U.S. space history.
- Feb 22🏅 Soviet Women Dominate – Lidia Skoblikova wins two races at World Speed Skating Championships, showcasing Russian athletic prowess on Japanese ice.
- Feb 23🌍 Earthquakes Devastate Libya – Three earthquakes kill 300 in a Libyan town, prompting U.S. and British planes to rush aid to the affected area.
- Feb 24🔬 Glenn Donates Space Gear – John Glenn presents his spacecraft gear and capsule to the Smithsonian, marking a significant moment in space exploration history.
- Feb 25📚 U.S. Book Display – A U.S. book display in Russia attracts many readers eager to purchase technical works, signaling interest in American literature.
- Feb 26🔬 Drug Prevents Tuberculosis – A $6 million federal survey shows a new drug successfully prevents tuberculosis, marking a significant health breakthrough.
- Feb 27🔬 Venus Surface Discovered – Mariner 2 reveals Venus has a surface temperature of 800°F, surrounded by thin clouds, termed 'Glowing Earth'.
- Feb 28🌍 Nehru Proposes Border Plan – Indian Prime Minister Nehru suggests arbitration for the border dispute with China, pending parliamentary approval.
Happy Birthday! 1963 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1963 in real headlines. See the 1963 book →