13 March - The planet Uranus is discovered by William Herschel in 1781

 

On the night of 13 March 1781, William Herschel, a German-born British astronomer and musician, was conducting a systematic survey of the night sky from his home in Bath, England. Using a homemade telescope, he observed an object in the constellation Taurus that appeared different from the surrounding stars. Initially, he thought it was a comet because it had a noticeable disk and moved relative to the background stars over several nights. However, further observations and calculations by astronomers such as Anders Johan Lexell and Johann Elert Bode revealed that the object followed a nearly circular orbit, characteristic of a planet rather than a comet. This made Uranus the first planet discovered with a telescope, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system for the first time in modern history. The discovery was groundbreaking, as it challenged the long-standing belief that only six planets existed. In recognition of his work, Herschel was appointed King’s Astronomer by King George III, and he initially proposed naming the planet Georgium Sidus (George’s Star) in honor of the king. However, the name Uranus, suggested by Johann Bode, was eventually adopted to align with the mythological naming convention of the other planets. This discovery marked a significant milestone in astronomy, leading to further studies of the outer solar system and the eventual discovery of Neptune and Pluto.

13 March - Mumbai General Post Office completion in 1913

 

Mumbai General Post Office (GPO). The Indo-Saracenic architecture of the GPO, inspired by Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka, showcases the fusion of various architectural styles, including Indian and Islamic elements, with a touch of Western influences. The intricate carvings, arches, and the central dome contribute to its architectural splendor.

The GPO's completion on 13 March 1913, makes it over a century old, and its historical and cultural significance as the central post office in Mumbai adds to its importance. The GPO serves not only as a functional postal facility but also as a symbol of Mumbai's rich heritage and colonial history.

 

13 March - Prince Mahendra became the king of Nepal

 

Prince Mahendra became the king of Nepal on 13 March 1950. He succeeded his father, King Tribhuvan, who had sought refuge in the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu during a political conflict. This period marked a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, as the Rana regime, which had held power for over a century, faced challenges, and the country moved towards a constitutional monarchy.

King Mahendra played a key role in shaping Nepal's political system. In 1959, he dissolved the democratically elected government and suspended the constitution, establishing the Panchayat system, which centralized power under the monarchy. The Panchayat system lasted until 1990 when a popular movement forced King Birendra (son of King Mahendra) to accept constitutional reforms and establish a parliamentary democracy.

King Mahendra ruled until his death in 1972, after which he was succeeded by his son, King Birendra. The political landscape in Nepal continued to evolve, with various changes in the system of government over the years.

 

13 March - Chester Greenwood received a patent for the invention of earmuffs in 1877

 

On March 13, 1877, Chester Greenwood, an American inventor from Farmington, Maine, received a patent for the invention of earmuffs. Greenwood came up with the idea for earmuffs at the age of 15 when he decided to find a solution to keep his ears warm while ice skating. He designed a pair of ear protectors made of wire with fur attached, and these earmuffs eventually became a widely used accessory for keeping ears warm in cold weather. Greenwood's invention earned him the nickname "the ear protector king," and his contribution is still recognized today as earmuffs remain a popular winter accessory.