This day in history. Read about what happened today. A short and interesting account of historical events and facts about this day as well as any other day of the year. Find historical birthdays, deaths, tragedies, war events, disasters and sports events.

This year in history
In the year 1642

	January 8th	Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei, died at the age of 78. He is considered as one of the greatest scientists of all time was a key figure of the scientific revolution which took place between the 16th and 18th centuries.
	December 13th	Dutch explorer, Abel Janszoon Tasman, became the first European to reach New Zealand.

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