Daily Facts about January 3

2023

The Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in Germany is founded, specializing in polar and marine research.

1999

NASA launches the Mars Polar Lander with the goal of exploring Mars, although the mission sadly fails to establish contact upon reaching the planet.

1959

Alaska is officially admitted as the 49th state of the United States, a significant addition to the nation.

1521

Martin Luther, the key figure of the Protestant Reformation, is excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church for his theological beliefs.