On January 27, 1880, Thomas Edison received a patent for an electric lamp using "a carbon filament or strip coiled and connected to platina contact wires." This wasn"t exactly the first light bulb, but it was the first practical and inexpensive one, a key technological innovation that introduced a new era. To mark the day, we"re looking at the bright lights of New York City and its surrounding area, as seen from the International Space Station.
Thomas Edison s bright idea
Today in History
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Moose, Denali National Park, Alaska
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World Water Day
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Giant kelp in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
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Siblings Day
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Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia, Spain
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Holey moley–it’s National Doughnut Day!
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There was gold in them there hills…
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Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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The snows of Fuji
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World Penguin Day
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Wartburg Castle overlooking Thuringian Forest in Germany
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Midnight sun
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Independence Day of the Argentine Republic
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Christmas Eve
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The perfect canvas for an ancient text
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Black History Month
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The Spirit of Harlem by Louis Delsarte
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Fossil Day
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead
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Mapping courage in the Seventh Ward
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Installation art turns heads
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Black History Month
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Three Natural Bridges, Wulong Karst, China
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It’s not a pinecone, it’s a pangolin
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International Day of Human Space Flight
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Oktoberfest begins
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Seonam Temple, South Korea
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Infinity Day