π¬ The first radio signal crosses the Atlantic (1901)
It was the beginning of the age of radio and, one day, mobile phones.
Where: Signal Hill, St. John's, Canada
π On This Day: December 12
December 12, 1901: The first radio signal crosses the Atlantic. On this day in 1901, at Signal Hill in Newfoundland, Canada, Guglielmo Marconi heard a radio signal sent from England. With no wires at all, it had travelled nearly 3,500 km across the ocean: three short clicks, the Morse code letter 'S'.
β¨ More events on this day
- 1799 π¨ Painter Karl Bryullov was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His huge, dramatic paintings made him one of the first Russian artists to become famous all over Europe.
- 1923 π¨ Musician Bob Dorough was born in Arkansas, USA. He wrote and sang many Schoolhouse Rock! songs, which taught children maths and grammar through catchy tunes.
- 1928 π¨ Painter Helen Frankenthaler was born in New York City. She poured thin paint straight onto raw canvas, creating soft pools of colour that inspired many artists.
π§ Question of the day
Which Morse code letter did Marconi hear?
- A
- S
- Z
Show the answer
Answer: S
Questions
What happened on December 12?
December 12, 1901: The first radio signal crosses the Atlantic. It happened in Signal Hill, St. John's, Canada.
In the game, the "Today on Earth" panel shows this story on its day, with a question to answer and a place to fly to.
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