Scientific Breakthroughs

1851: The first successful photograph of a total solar eclipse is taken by Johann Julius Friedrich Berkowski, a German astronomer. This achievement provided valuable insights into the Sun’s corona and paved the way for advancements in solar astronomy.

Historical Events

1540: Thomas Cromwell, the English statesman who served as chief minister to King Henry VIII of England, was executed. Cromwell played a significant role in the English Reformation, the establishment of the Church of England, and the dissolution of the monasteries. In a cruel twist of fate, Henry VIII also married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, on the same day.

1794: Maximilien Robespierre was executed by guillotine. Robespierre was a key figure during the French Revolution and one of the main architects of the Reign of Terror. His death marked the end of the Reign of Terror, a period of extreme violence and political repression in France.

1821: Peru declares its independence from Spain after more than 300 years of colonial rule. This event marked the beginning of a series of revolutions throughout South American that ultimately led to the liberation of the continent from Spanish colonial rule. Today, July 28th is celebrated as Peru’s Independence Day.

1914: Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia on July 28, 1914, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This event marked the beginning of World War I, a devastating conflict that would reshape the global landscape and result in the deaths of millions.

Cultural Events

1896: The city of Miami is officially incorporated. Miami’s origins can be traced back to the late 1800s. Back then, the area was little more than a small trading post and a few scattered settlements. Today, Miami is a major American city known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and diverse population.

1945: The Empire State Building in New York City is accidentally struck by a US Army B-25 bomber. The impact of the crash caused a massive explosion and a raging fire, which engulfed the upper floors of the building and killed 14 people. It remains one of the most notable aviation accidents in history. However, despite the devastation, the Empire State Building remained standing, a testament to the strength and durability of its construction.

1984: The Los Angeles Summer Olympics opening ceremony takes place. The games were notable for the absence of the Soviet Union and its allies, who boycotted the event in response to the US-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Notable Birthdays

1. Robert Hooke (1635–1703) – An English scientist, architect, and philosopher. Hooke made significant contributions to various fields, including physics, biology, and astronomy. He is best known for his work on elasticity, which led to the development of Hooke’s Law, and his pioneering research in microscopy.
2. Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889) – An English poet and Jesuit priest. Hopkins is renowned for his innovative use of language and his exploration of the relationship between nature and spirituality. His works, such as “Pied Beauty” and “The Windhover,” are considered among the finest examples of Victorian poetry.
3. Beatrix Potter (1866–1943) – A famous English author and illustrator of children’s books. Potter is best known for her series, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”. She went on to become one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time, selling over 150 million copies of her books worldwide.
4. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929–1994) – Former First Lady of the United States and wife of President John F. Kennedy. Onassis is remembered for her poise, elegance, and dedication to cultural and historical preservation during her time as First Lady.
5. Nancy Ajram (1981) – A Lebanese singer, television personality, and philanthropist. Ajram has become one of the most popular and successful Arabic pop artists. She has sold millions of albums worldwide and earned numerous awards throughout her career.

Final Word