On September 10, 2008, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was powered up for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the field of particle physics. This monumental event involved successfully firing the first beam of protons through its 17-mile underground ring tunnel, an achievement that has since opened new avenues for scientific exploration.
A Look Back at Historical Events on September 10
The date is notable not only for the LHC’s activation but also for other significant historical occurrences. In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia, establishing an early governance structure in the New World.
In the realm of sports, 1960 saw Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia run barefoot to victory in the Olympic marathon held in Rome, becoming the first Black African to win an Olympic gold medal. That same year, Hurricane Donna, a dangerous Category 4 storm, made landfall in the Florida Keys, causing widespread devastation and resulting in 364 fatalities.
The civil rights movement also marked September 10 in 1963, when twenty Black students entered public schools in Alabama following a tense standoff between federal authorities and then-Governor George C. Wallace.
Political Developments and Cultural Milestones
Shifting to political history, on September 10, 1979, President Jimmy Carter granted clemency to four Puerto Rican nationalists imprisoned for their involvement in a 1954 attack on the U.S. House of Representatives. The decision was a significant moment in U.S.-Puerto Rico relations.
In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee commenced hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. These hearings became pivotal when Anita Hill, a law professor who had previously worked under Thomas, publicly accused him of sexual harassment, sparking nationwide discussions on the issue.
More recently, on September 10, 2022, King Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain’s monarch in a ceremony full of pageantry, just two days after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The events of September 10 have shaped history across various sectors, from science to politics and sports, reflecting the diverse narratives that have unfolded on this date.
Today’s notable birthdays include accomplished individuals such as scientist and author Jared Diamond, who turns 88, and singer José Feliciano, who celebrates his 80th birthday. Other notable figures include former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau, who is 77, and political commentator Bill O’Reilly, who turns 76.
As we reflect on the significance of September 10 through the years, the legacy of the Large Hadron Collider continues to inspire current and future generations of scientists, driving the quest for knowledge about the universe.