Historical Events on July 31st

On July 31, 1588, England's intelligence network, under Sir Francis Walsingham, intercepted crucial Spanish Armada plans. This marked a pivotal moment in wartime espionage, showcasing early modern intelligence's strategic importance.

July 31, 1969, marked the discovery of tranquillityite, a rare mineral found in lunar rock samples from Apollo 11's mission. It was later discovered on Earth, changing our understanding of planetary geology.

Economist Milton Friedman, born on July 31, 1912, revolutionized economic policy with his advocacy for monetarism. His ideas influenced global economic practices, reshaping fiscal policies during the latter half of the 20th century.

On July 31, 1971, the first successful flight of a solar-powered aircraft, the AstroFlight Sunrise, took place. This innovation paved the way for renewable energy in aviation, highlighting early efforts toward sustainable flight.

July 31 is celebrated as World Ranger Day, established in 2007 to honor park rangers globally. It acknowledges their critical role in conserving natural heritage and protecting endangered species.

In 1588, Walsingham's network used invisible ink derived from onions to communicate secretly, a method unknown to many even in modern espionage.