What happened in November 1970?
The top front-page story of each day in November 1970, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Nov 1🔥 Dance Hall Fire – At least 40 people died in a fire at a packed ballroom in Saint-Laurent-du-Pont, France, with many more injured.
- Nov 2🏙️ Environmental Affairs Unit – The American Association of Port Authorities announced the formation of a committee on environmental affairs to address ecological concerns.
- Nov 3📰 Cardinal Cushing Dies – Richard Cardinal Cushing passed away at 75 on All Souls Day, a day dedicated to remembering the dead in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Nov 4🗳️ Election Day Results – Major elections across the U.S. saw significant Republican victories, including Rockefeller's re-election in New York and Bentsen defeating Bush in Texas.
- Nov 5🌍 French Climb Annapurna – Two French climbers made the first ascent of Annapurna's tough south face, reaching the summit on October 27.
- Nov 6🌋 Lava Flows From Etna – A mile-long lava stream erupted from Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, accompanied by loud explosions, but no threat was reported.
- Nov 7🎹 Graham at Carnegie Hall – Lawrence Graham performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, showcasing his dedication to digital efficiency in music.
- Nov 8🏛️ Aphrodite Head Found – A marble head identified as Aphrodite of Cnidus, carved by Praxiteles, was discovered in the British Museum after being stored since 1859.
- Nov 9🚀 Apollo Rocket Moves – The Apollo 14 rocket is moved to the launch pad for final preparations to attempt a moon landing.
- Nov 10🚀 Apollo 14 Preparations – Apollo 14 was moved to the firing pad for final preparations ahead of its moon mission scheduled for January 31.
- Nov 11🇫🇷 France Mourns de Gaulle – General de Gaulle is dead. France is in mourning, with world leaders set to attend a service at Notre Dame.
- Nov 12🌍 Nixon in France – President Nixon arrived in Paris to join representatives from 80 nations for a tribute to Charles de Gaulle.
- Nov 13🌕 Luna 17 Halfway Point – The unmanned Soviet spacecraft Luna 17 reached the halfway point to the moon, set to explore the lunar surface soon.
- Nov 14👑 First Black Queen – Florida State University crowned Doby Lee Flowers as its first black homecoming queen, marking a significant milestone in diversity.
- Nov 15🌊 Tidal Wave Devastates Pakistan – A cyclone-driven tidal wave in East Pakistan drowned tens of thousands in coastal districts and offshore islands.
- Nov 16🌪️ Disaster in Bengal – A cyclone and tidal wave in East Pakistan have killed thousands and left many homeless, prompting international aid offers.
- Nov 17🌕 Luna 17 Lands on Moon – The Soviet Union's Luna 17 successfully landed on the moon, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Nov 18🌕 Soviet Lunar Vehicle – Soviet scientists successfully delivered and operated a mobile vehicle on the moon, showcasing significant advancements in space exploration.
- Nov 19🌌 Lunar Laser Reflectors – Soviet spacecraft Luna 17 transported a French-made laser reflector to the moon, aiding international studies on continental drift.
- Nov 20🌪️ Typhoon Strikes Manila – A powerful typhoon hit Manila, killing at least 30 and injuring hundreds with winds reaching 124 mph.
- Nov 21🚀 U.S.-Soviet Space Docking – Plans for an international docking system were exchanged between U.S. and Soviet space specialists to improve cooperation.
- Nov 22🌕 Moon Soil Produces Oxygen – Scientists discovered a method to produce water and oxygen from lunar soil, enabling potential human life support in space.
- Nov 23🌕 Lunokhod 1 Completes Work – The Soviet Union announced Lunokhod 1, the first crewless vehicle on the moon, finished its first phase and is set for lunar night hibernation.
- Nov 24🗿 Dubuffet Sculpture Unveiled – Jean Dubuffet's 40-foot sculpture 'Group of Four Trees' is installed at Chase Plaza, showcasing whimsical designs.
- Nov 25🔬 Star's Light Yields Data – Prometheum, a short-lived chemical element, has been detected in a distant star, marking a significant scientific discovery.
- Nov 26📉 Wholesale Prices Decline – The Labor Department reported a slight decline in wholesale prices for November, breaking a recent trend of bad news on the price front.
- Nov 27🌍 U.S. Nine Triumphs – Mike Caldwell pitched a one-hitter as the U.S. blanked Holland 9-0 in the world amateur baseball championships.
- Nov 28🌕 Lunokhod 1 Signals Success – The unmanned Soviet moonmobile Lunokhod 1 reported normal functioning as it hibernates in extreme lunar temperatures.
- Nov 29🔥 Istanbul Opera House Burns – Fire razed Istanbul's Opera House during a performance of Arthur Miller's play, 'The Crucible.' No injuries reported.
- Nov 30🌍 Pope Visits Manila Slum – Pope Paul VI visited a slum in Manila, praying with a family in their two-room shack during his three-day visit.
Happy Birthday! 1970 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1970 in real headlines. See the 1970 book →
Born in November? Pick the day
Every birthday in November has its own On This Day in Headlines book: