What happened in February 1979?
The top front-page story of each day in February 1979, 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🇮🇷 Khomeini Returns to Iran – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran, urging the expulsion of foreigners as millions rallied to greet him.
- Feb 2🌍 Khomeini Returns to Iran – Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's plane lands in Tehran, marking a pivotal moment in Iran's revolution as he returns from exile.
- Feb 3🏅 High-Jump Record Tied – Hungary's Andrea Matay equaled the women's world indoor high-jump record of 6 feet 4¾ inches at an international meet.
- Feb 4🌍 Iran Oil Exports Halted – Iran's oil shipments, crucial for the non-Communist world, have been suspended for over a month, impacting global oil supply.
- Feb 5🌽 Perennial Corn Discovery – A new plant discovered in Mexico may lead to the creation of a perennial corn variety, promising revolutionary agricultural benefits.
- Feb 6💡 Edison Bulb Turns 100 – Thomas Edison's light bulb invention marks its centenary, symbolizing the dawn of the Electric Age and significant advancements in technology.
- Feb 7🏨 China's Hotel Boom – China accelerates hotel construction to accommodate a surge in foreign business and tourism, engaging foreign contractors and investors.
- Feb 8🪐 Venus Chasm Discovered – Pioneer spacecraft orbiting Venus finds a vast chasm, suggesting geological activity similar to Earth.
- Feb 9🖼️ Fire in Vienna Store – A fire at Vienna's largest department store caused damages estimated at $100 million, affecting the local economy significantly.
- Feb 10💃 Koner Troupe Tribute – Pauline Koner Troupe performed a tribute to Doris Humphrey, showcasing modern dance's evolution over 51 years.
- Feb 11🌍 Carter's Open Administration – President Jimmy Carter emphasizes transparency and family values in government, pledging to upgrade the Cabinet and allow public access.
- Feb 12🎉 Tehran Erupts in Frenzy – Tehran witnesses jubilation and chaos as millions celebrate the apparent victory of Ayatollah Khomeini's forces in the Iranian revolution.
- Feb 13🇮🇷 Khomeini's Supporters Seize Embassy – Supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini took control of the Iranian Embassy in Washington, awaiting instructions from Tehran.
- Feb 14🌍 Iran Shift Historic – Arab leaders agreed the fall of the Iranian monarchy marked a historic turning point in the regional balance of power.
- Feb 15🔬 Florida Lake Discovery – A deep lake in Florida has yielded significant discoveries, raising hopes for studies on ancient man, animals, and climate in North America.
- Feb 16🔥 Fire Tragedy in Harlem – A three-alarm fire in Harlem killed two children and injured four firemen. Investigators found no signs of foul play.
- Feb 17🏅 Coghlan Sets Record – Eamonn Coghlan shattered the world indoor mile record with a time of 3:52.6 at the San Diego Invitational track meet.
- Feb 18📚 Children's Books on Disks – E.B. White's classic children's books are now available on unabridged audio disks, enhancing the storytelling experience.
- Feb 19🗺️ Vietnam-Cambodia Treaties – Vietnam and Cambodia signed a treaty of peace, friendship, and cooperation in Phnom Penh, marking a significant diplomatic development.
- Feb 20🔬 New Plankton Photos – A new photographic technique allows scientists to quickly capture images of live plankton without needing a lens.
- Feb 21🌋 Indonesia Volcano Erupts – A volcano in Central Java erupts, killing at least 155 people and injuring over 100 due to poison gases and lava.
- Feb 22🌍 Uranium Disposal Site Found – A radioactive uranium disposal site was discovered near downtown Denver, marking the fourth such site found by health officials.
- Feb 23🌋 Volcano Death Toll Rises – Mount Sinila in Java continues to erupt, with 175 confirmed deaths from toxic gases and lava.
- Feb 24🛰️ U.S.-China Trade Opens – American and Chinese merchant ships will begin sailing between Seattle and Shanghai, enhancing trade relations.
- Feb 25🌒 Total Solar Eclipse – Tens of thousands gather in the U.S. for a total solar eclipse, the last until 2017, creating excitement among astronomers and enthusiasts.
- Feb 26🌒 Total Solar Eclipse – A total solar eclipse occurred, with millions viewing its path across North America, marking a significant astronomical event.
- Feb 27🌒 Total Solar Eclipse – A total solar eclipse darkened skies across the northwestern U.S., captivating thousands of viewers, the last until 2017.
- Feb 28🔭 Voyager Discovers Jupiter – Voyager 1 spacecraft discovers intense auroral activity on Jupiter, resembling Earth's aurora borealis.
Happy Birthday! 1979 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1979 in real headlines. See the 1979 book →