What happened in March 1988?
The top front-page story of each day in March 1988, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Mar 1🔬 Magnetic Cyclotron Tested – The highest-energy cyclotron accelerator began operation at Michigan State University, promising significant scientific discoveries.
- Mar 2💻 New Computer Techniques – Computers are shifting from serial to parallel processing, enhancing speed and efficiency in task execution.
- Mar 3🚀 Shuttle Escape Plan Tested – NASA tested an escape system for the space shuttle, involving Navy parachutists deploying chutes from an airplane.
- Mar 4🎶 Villa-Lobos Program – An Evening of Villa-Lobos features works by the Brazilian composer at the Americas Society, showcasing prominent musicians.
- Mar 5🚀 Shuttle Safety Flaws – A National Research Council report reveals fragmented safety assessments for space shuttle launches, raising concerns over hazard evaluation.
- Mar 6🏛️ Louvre Pyramid Unveiled – Parisians got their first official look at a modern glass pyramid set amid the ancient stone courtyards of the Louvre.
- Mar 7🏛️ Baryshnikov to Dance – Mikhail Baryshnikov will perform in a tribute to Maya Plisetskaya on March 27 at the Wang Center in Boston, part of a U.S.-Soviet festival.
- Mar 8🔬 Captive Condor Egg – The first California condor egg produced by a captive breeding pair is fertile, with a chick expected to emerge soon.
- Mar 9🌍 Quebec Power Plan – Quebec announced the $6 billion second phase of its hydroelectric project on James Bay, set to be the largest of its kind upon completion.
- Mar 10🎭 Moscow Circus Tours – The Moscow Circus announces its first North American tour in 10 years, featuring bears and jugglers at Radio City Music Hall.
- Mar 11🎹 Pollini Unearths Beethoven – Maurizio Pollini highlights lesser-known Beethoven piano sonatas, questioning why many remain unheard despite the composer's fame.
- Mar 12🎷 Jazz Musicians Honor Max Gordon – Jazz impresario Max Gordon's 85th birthday was celebrated at the Village Vanguard with performances and tributes from notable musicians.
- Mar 13🌍 Arena Stampede Tragedy – Over 80 people died in a stampede during a soccer match in Nepal as fans rushed to escape a hailstorm.
- Mar 14🚀 French Satellite Launch – A French telecommunications satellite was successfully placed into orbit by a West European Ariane rocket, marking a significant achievement in space technology.
- Mar 15🌍 Ozone Treaty Ratified – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a historic treaty to limit chemicals damaging the ozone layer, marking a significant environmental milestone.
- Mar 16🔬 Study Shows Ozone Decline – Federal scientists reported a significant decline in atmospheric ozone over the Northern Hemisphere over the last two decades.
- Mar 17🏛️ AIDS Quilt Tour – A seven-ton quilt with 3,488 panels commemorating AIDS victims will tour 20 cities, raising awareness about the epidemic.
- Mar 18🚢 Pope Plans African Visit – Pope John Paul II will visit five southern African countries in September, excluding South Africa.
- Mar 19🌍 Panama Declares Urgency – The Panamanian Government declared a ''state of urgency'', warning opponents of potential suspension of constitutional guarantees amid unrest.
- Mar 20🌍 Gore Campaign Advances – Senator Albert Gore Jr. scored victories on Super Tuesday, winning five states and solidifying his position among Democratic Presidential candidates.
- Mar 21🔬 Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough – Federal researchers achieved a significant advance by igniting a nuclear fusion reaction in hydrogen pellets, producing powerful energy bursts.
- Mar 22🔬 Fusion Achievement – Scientists at the University of Rochester achieved record densities in hydrogen isotopes using lasers, marking a significant advance in fusion research.
- Mar 23🏛️ Vatican Team Visits Soviet – The Vatican has been invited to send a delegation to the Soviet Union for a major religious celebration in June, but Pope John Paul II will not attend.
- Mar 24🔬 Nicaraguan Truce Signed – Leaders of the Sandinista Government and contra guerrillas signed a historic cease-fire agreement for a 60-day truce.
- Mar 25🌍 Nicaragua Cease-Fire – A cease-fire agreement between Nicaraguan government and contra leaders promises a durable political settlement, marking a significant step towards peace.
- Mar 26⛸️ Quadruple Jump Achieved – Kurt Browning made history by landing the first quadruple jump in competition at the world figure skating championships, stunning the audience.
- Mar 27🌊 Long Island Sound Designated – Long Island Sound will be named an 'estuary of national significance,' ensuring federal funding for its study until at least 1991.
- Mar 28🎾 Wilander Tops Connors – Mats Wilander defeated Jimmy Connors in a grueling match lasting 3 hours 39 minutes under extreme heat at the French Open.
- Mar 29🏒 Gretzky's 100th Assist – Wayne Gretzky reached the 100-assist mark for the eighth consecutive season, a significant milestone in his NHL career.
- Mar 30🌍 Soviet Afghan Drive Decision – Georgi A. Arbatov described the decision for Soviet forces to invade Afghanistan in December 1979 as a choice made by a few.
- Mar 31📈 House Approves Aid Package – The House overwhelmingly approved a $47.9 million aid package for Nicaraguan rebels, with a vote of 345 to 70.
Happy Birthday! 1988 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1988 in real headlines. See the 1988 book →
Born in March? Pick the day
Every birthday in March has its own On This Day in Headlines book: