50 Years Ago

Earth

50 years ago, scientists were getting a better glimpse inside storms

In 1970, experts were harnessing technologies that provided a three-dimensional picture of the inside of a storm.

Archaeology

50 years ago, explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s Atlantic crossing hit a snag

Explorer Thor Heyerdahl followed an aborted Atlantic voyage with a second trip that indicated ancient Egyptians could have traveled over long distances by sea.

Physics

50 years ago, superconductors started feeling the pressure

Today, high-pressure superconductors are a hot topic. 50 years ago, scientists were just starting to explore the possibilities.

Environment

50 years ago, American waterways were getting more protections

A 1970 bill that became the Clean Water Act helped to double the number of U.S. waterbodies clean enough for swimming and fishing. In January, the U.S. administration changed how waters were defined, effectively removing those protections for half the country’s wetlands.

Science & Society

The U.S. has resisted the metric system for more than 50 years

Australia adopted the metric system 50 years ago. The United States tried by passing legislation for a voluntary conversion that was largely ignored.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists were trying to get a grip on Lassa fever

In 1970, scientists were on the trail of a deadly new virus. Fifty years later, a vaccine is just now being tested in people.

Space

50 years ago, scientists were studying why the sun’s corona is so hot

In 1970, scientists were hoping to learn why the sun’s corona is so hot during an eclipse. Fifty years later, the corona’s magnetic field may hold some answers.

Environment

50 years ago, protests and promises launched the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

50 years ago, the upcoming Trans-Alaska Pipeline prompted an economic boom amid outrage from environmental and Native American groups.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists debated the necessity of a smallpox vaccine

In 1970, scientists debated the necessity of routine smallpox vaccinations as the disease declined. Fifty years later, the debate continues.

Space

The sterile moon may still hold hints of how life began on Earth

50 years ago, scientists found no signs of life on the moon. Today, lunar mission regulations may be relaxed in light of that fact.

Space

50 years ago, scientists didn’t know where heavy elements came from

Five decades ago, scientists suspected ordinary supernovas created heavy elements. Now we know they don’t, but merging neutron stars do.

Humans

50 years ago, income inequality was severe in the U.S. It still is

In 1969, lower-income households tended to be nonwhite and in the U.S. South. That still holds true today.