1983 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1983 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Kīlauea volcano eruption begins: On January 3, 1983, Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii erupted along its East Rift Zone, initiating the Puʻu ʻŌʻō-Kupaianaha eruption. This event marked the start of the longest continuous eruption in Kīlauea's history, lasting until 2018. The eruption produced significant lava fountains and flows, leading to the formation of the Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone and substantial land changes on the Big Island. source: pubs.usgs.gov
- 19 Jan Apple introduces the Lisa computer: On January 19, 1983, Apple announced the Lisa, a personal computer featuring a graphical user interface (GUI) and a 5 MB hard drive. Priced at $9,995, the Lisa was aimed at business users but faced challenges due to its high cost and limited software support, leading to its discontinuation in 1986. source: computerhistory.org
- 26 Jan Lotus 1-2-3 released for IBM-PC: Lotus 1-2-3, a spreadsheet application developed by Lotus Software, was released on January 26, 1983. It quickly became the leading spreadsheet software for IBM PCs, surpassing competitors like VisiCalc and Microsoft Multiplan. Its success significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of IBM PCs in business environments. source: wired.com
- 27 Feb Death of Nikolai Aleksandrovich Kozyrev, Russian astronomer: Nikolai Aleksandrovich Kozyrev, a prominent Russian astronomer and astrophysicist, passed away on February 27, 1983, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). He was renowned for his work on lunar volcanism and transient lunar phenomena, notably his observations of the crater Alphonsus. Kozyrev's contributions significantly influenced lunar research and our understanding of celestial mechanics. source: britannica.com
- 23 Mar Barney Clark, first artificial heart recipient, dies: Barney B. Clark, a 61-year-old retired dentist from Seattle, became the first person to receive a permanent artificial heart on December 2, 1982. The surgery, led by Dr. William C. DeVries at the University of Utah, involved implanting the Jarvik-7 heart designed by Dr. Robert K. Jarvik. Clark lived for 112 days with the device, powered by a 400-pound air compressor, before passing away on March 23, 1983, due to circulatory collapse and multiple organ system failure. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
- 16 Jun MSX computer standard announced: On June 16, 1983, Microsoft and ASCII Corporation announced the MSX (MicroSoft eXtended BASIC) standard for 8-bit home computers. The initiative aimed to unify various manufacturers under a common architecture, similar to the VHS standard in the video industry. The first MSX computer, the Mitsubishi ML-8000, was released on October 21, 1983. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Jul China establishes Ministry of State Security as principal intelligence agency: On July 1, 1983, China established the Ministry of State Security (MSS) as its principal intelligence agency. The MSS was formed by merging the Central Investigation Department and the counterintelligence elements of the Ministry of Public Security, aiming to centralize and streamline China's intelligence and security operations. The new ministry was tasked with safeguarding national sovereignty and interests, including counter-espionage and political security. source: cia.gov
- 22 Jul 3D CAT Scan Medical Breakthrough: First successful three-dimensional recreation of a human head using CAT scan technology, representing a significant advancement in medical imaging and diagnostic techniques.
- 16 Sep Reagan announces GPS for civilian use: On September 16, 1983, following the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, President Ronald Reagan announced that the United States would make the Global Positioning System (GPS) available for civilian use once it became operational in 1988. This decision aimed to enhance aviation safety by providing accurate positional information to civilian aircraft. source: gps.gov
- 21 Sep US conducts underground nuclear test at Nevada Test Site: On September 21, 1983, the United States conducted an underground nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, approximately 93 miles northwest of Las Vegas. The test, code-named 'Tomme-Midnight Zephyr,' had an explosive yield of less than 20 kilotons and was detonated 1,322 feet beneath Rainier Mesa. No radiation was released into the atmosphere, and the explosion's force was not felt outside the test site. source: upi.com
- 13 Oct First US cellular network launched in 1983: The first commercial cellular network in the United States was launched on October 13, 1983, by Ameritech in Chicago. This marked a significant milestone in telecommunications, allowing mobile phone users to make calls without being tethered to a landline. The technology paved the way for the modern mobile communication era. source: fcc.gov
- 18 Nov Argentina announces uranium enrichment capability: On November 18, 1983, Argentina's Atomic Energy Commission announced the successful development of technology to produce enriched uranium fuel for nuclear power plants, emphasizing its commitment to peaceful applications and denying intentions to manufacture nuclear weapons. Despite this, Argentina refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, citing perceived discrimination against smaller nations. source: washingtonpost.com
- 04 Dec Annular Solar Eclipse on December 4, 1983: An annular solar eclipse occurred on December 4, 1983, with a magnitude of 0.9666. The eclipse was visible as an annular eclipse in regions including Cape Verde, Annobón Island of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the People's Republic of Congo (now the Republic of Congo), Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), northern Uganda, southern Sudan (now South Sudan), northwestern Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. A partial eclipse was visible in parts of northern South America, Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. source: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov
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