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September 14
5 moments across history
First Direct Detection of Gravitational Waves
On September 14, 2015, the two LIGO detectors made the first direct observation of gravitational waves, produced by two merging black holes. The detection confirmed a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opened a new way to study the universe. Announced in 2016, the discovery began the era of gravitational-wave astronomy after decades of theoretical work and increasingly sensitive experiments.
First Direct Detection of Gravitational Waves
Bashir Gemayel Assassinated in Beirut
Bashir Gemayel Assassinated in Beirut
Year: 1982
On September 14, 1982, Lebanon’s president-elect Bashir Gemayel was killed by a bomb at the Phalange Party headquarters in Beirut. His assassination removed a powerful Maronite Christian leader days before he was due to take office, deepening Lebanon’s political crisis. The killing occurred during the Lebanese Civil War and Israel’s 1982 invasion, and it preceded the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
OPEC Is Founded in Baghdad
OPEC Is Founded in Baghdad
Year: 1960
On September 14, 1960, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela founded OPEC at a conference in Baghdad. The organization enabled oil-exporting countries to coordinate petroleum policies and defend their interests in pricing and production. Its creation reflected growing resource nationalism as producers sought greater control over oil industries long dominated by Western companies.
Luna 2 Reaches the Moon
Luna 2 Reaches the Moon
Year: 1959
On September 14, 1959, the Soviet Luna 2 probe struck the Moon, becoming the first human-made object to reach its surface. The impact proved that a spacecraft could travel successfully from Earth to another celestial body. The mission was a major Soviet achievement in the Cold War Space Race, before the first human spaceflight and crewed Moon landings.
Russian Republic Proclaimed
Russian Republic Proclaimed
Year: 1917
On September 14, 1917, the Russian Provisional Government formally proclaimed Russia a republic after the monarchy’s overthrow. The declaration ended centuries of imperial rule and affirmed a new political order pending the election of a Constituent Assembly. It followed the February Revolution and Nicholas II’s abdication, but the republic survived only until the Bolsheviks seized power in November.