1978 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1978 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan Concorde supersonic passenger jet begins commercial transatlantic flights: The Concorde, a British-French supersonic passenger airliner, commenced its first commercial transatlantic flights on January 1, 1978. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history, offering faster travel across the Atlantic. source: bbc.com
- 16 Feb First computer bulletin board system (CBBS) created: On February 16, 1978, the first computer bulletin board system (CBBS) was created by Ward Christensen and Randy Seuss. This innovation allowed users to exchange messages and files, laying the groundwork for future online communication. source: bbc.com
- 02 Mar Controversial Human Cloning Article: The New York Post published an article about David Rorvik's controversial book 'The Cloning of Man', which claimed a human had been successfully cloned, sparking significant scientific and ethical debate.
- 11 Apr Microsoft launches COBOL-80: On April 11, 1978, Microsoft released COBOL-80, a programming language designed for business applications. This version aimed to enhance the capabilities of COBOL, making it more accessible for developers in the growing software industry. source: microsoft.com
- 29 Apr Lunar phase details: On April 29, 1978, the Moon was in its Last Quarter phase, with approximately 51% illumination. The Moon rose at 12:28 AM and set at 11:00 AM. source: moongiant.com
- 03 May First spam email in internet history: The first known spam email was sent on May 3, 1978, by Gary Thuerk, a marketing manager at Digital Equipment Corporation. This email was sent to multiple users on the ARPANET, marking a significant moment in the history of internet communication. source: history.com
- 29 May Soviet Nuclear Testing: The Soviet Union conducted nuclear tests on May 29, 1978, as part of its ongoing nuclear weapons program. These tests were part of a series of detonations that raised international concerns about nuclear proliferation. source: bbc.com
- 04 Jun Pakistan's nuclear technology advancement: On June 4, 1978, Dr. A.Q. Khan's team at the Engineering Research Laboratories (ERL) achieved a significant milestone by successfully enriching uranium using electromagnetic isotope separation at the Chaklala Air Force Base Centrifuge Laboratory. This advancement marked a pivotal step in Pakistan's nuclear weapons program. source: thenation.com
- 09 Oct Scientific testing of the Shroud of Turin begins: On October 9, 1978, a team of scientists initiated a series of tests on the Shroud of Turin, aiming to determine its age and authenticity. The team, known as the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP), conducted various analyses, including radiocarbon dating, to assess the shroud's origins. The results of these tests have been the subject of ongoing debate and research. source: history.com
- 04 Nov Solar Energy Legislation: The Solar Photovoltaic Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1978 was enacted, marking a significant milestone in U.S. renewable energy policy and supporting research into solar technology.
- 18 Nov F/A-18 Hornet first flight: On November 18, 1978, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet made its first flight at Lambert Field, St. Louis, Missouri. Chief Test Pilot John Krings piloted the aircraft, reaching an altitude of 24,000 feet during the 50-minute test flight. source: thisdayinaviation.com
- 23 Nov European Broadcasting Frequency Realignment: On November 23, 1978, the Geneva Frequency Plan of 1975 was implemented, requiring European radio stations to adjust their broadcasting frequencies. This plan aimed to reduce interference and standardize frequencies across Europe, leading to changes in wavelengths for many stations, including the BBC in the United Kingdom. source: en.wikipedia.org
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