What happened in November 1990?
The top front-page story of each day in November 1990, 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🔬 Gene Therapy Advances – Researchers reduced cholesterol levels in rabbits with severe cholesterol disease using gene therapy, marking a significant breakthrough in medical science.
- Nov 2🍔 McDonald's Recycling Program – McDonald's announced it will extend its limited plastics-recycling program to all 8,500 restaurants nationwide in response to environmental concerns.
- Nov 3🌍 Global Waste Ban – 43 nations agreed to a global ban on ocean dumping of industrial waste, marking a significant step toward reducing marine pollution.
- Nov 4🌍 Soviet Executives Learn Capitalism – A group of Soviet executives arrived in the U.S. to study the dynamics of America's market-driven economy firsthand.
- Nov 5🔭 Hubble Observes Quasar – The Hubble Space Telescope has successfully observed a distant quasar billions of light years from Earth, marking a significant achievement in astronomy.
- Nov 6🌋 Mount St. Helens Erupts – An explosion at Mount St. Helens sent a plume of ash 30,000 feet into the air, prompting alerts from scientists monitoring the volcano.
- Nov 7🌍 Quake Strikes Iran – A major earthquake struck southern Iran, killing at least 20 people, as reported by the United States Geological Survey.
- Nov 8🌍 Huge Comet Linked – Studies suggest comets may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth and major extinctions, including that of the dinosaurs.
- Nov 9🌍 Berlin Wall Anniversary – A year after the Berlin Wall fell, Berliners reflect on the changes and nostalgia surrounding the historic event.
- Nov 10🔬 New Shock Absorbers Patent – Nissan patents a shock-absorbing system for cars that adjusts automatically to road conditions, enhancing driving safety.
- Nov 11👑 Emperor Akihito's Enthronement – Japan celebrates the enthronement of Emperor Akihito, marking a significant cultural event with global dignitaries in attendance.
- Nov 12👑 Japan Enthrones Emperor – Japan installed Emperor Akihito as the 125th occupant of the Chrysanthemum Throne, marking a historic moment in national sovereignty.
- Nov 13🎨 Christo's Umbrella Project – Artist Christo plans to install 1,340 blue umbrellas in Japan and 1,760 yellow ones in California, creating a vibrant visual spectacle.
- Nov 14🌍 U.S. Seeks Antarctic Moratorium – The U.S. will propose a legally binding moratorium on mineral development in Antarctica at an upcoming international meeting.
- Nov 15🌍 Poland-Germany Border Pact – Poland signed a treaty guaranteeing its border with Germany, alleviating months of anxiety regarding relations with its neighbor.
- Nov 16🌍 Bush Signs Pollution Law – President Bush signed a major overhaul of the anti-pollution law aimed at reducing acid rain, urban smog, and toxic chemicals.
- Nov 17🔬 First Superconducting Transistor – Scientists announced the creation of the world's first high-temperature superconducting transistor, promising advancements in electronics.
- Nov 18🏛️ Bush Honors Czechs – President Bush rang a replica of the Liberty Bell in Czechoslovakia to mark the anniversary of its democratic revolution.
- Nov 19🎾 Seles Outlasts Sabatini – Monica Seles defeated Gabriela Sabatini in a thrilling match, showcasing their competitive spirits and unique playing styles.
- Nov 20🌍 Cold Fusion Fraud Claims – Texas A&M's cold fusion research allegations of fraud were dismissed by an internal panel, affirming the integrity of the experiments.
- Nov 21🌌 Giant Storm on Saturn – A massive storm on Saturn has developed into one of the largest atmospheric features in the solar system, racing at 1,000 miles per hour.
- Nov 22📈 Stradivari Violin Sold – A 270-year-old Stradivari violin, the Red Mendelssohn, sold for $1.7 million at Christie's, setting an auction record for a musical instrument.
- Nov 23🇬🇧 Thatcher Resigns – Margaret Thatcher announced her resignation as Prime Minister after 11.5 years, marking the end of a significant era in British politics.
- Nov 24🎭 Joffrey Ballet Revived – The Joffrey Ballet, facing bankruptcy and leadership turmoil, has successfully navigated financial crises to continue its legacy.
- Nov 25🏟️ Giants vs. Eagles – The unbeaten Giants face the Eagles, needing a win to clinch the division title five weeks before the season ends.
- Nov 26🔭 New Telescope Project – Astronomers announced a project to map over one million galaxies, aiming to expand our understanding of the universe significantly.
- Nov 27🔥 Fire Contained at Airport – A massive fire fueled by jet fuel near Denver Airport was brought under control after disrupting air traffic for a day.
- Nov 28📰 John Major Becomes PM – John Major was selected as the next Prime Minister of Britain, succeeding Margaret Thatcher after his rivals withdrew from the Conservative Party leadership contest.
- Nov 29🌍 Argentina, Brazil Renounce Nukes – Argentina and Brazil formally renounced the manufacture of nuclear weapons, easing tensions ahead of President Bush's visit.
- Nov 30🔬 New Sleeping Sickness Drug – A new treatment for African sleeping sickness, the first in 40 years, was announced by WHO, curing the disease with few side effects.
Happy Birthday! 1990 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1990 in real headlines. See the 1990 book →
Born in November? Pick the day
Every birthday in November has its own On This Day in Headlines book: