◆ On this day

December 7

4 sourced moments from December 7 in history: Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution (1787); Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, pulling the U.S. into World War II (1941); Apollo 17 took the Blue Marble photo five hours after launch (1972), plus 1 more.

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4 things happened on December 7

newest first ↓

1995 Space · Solar System

Galileo became the first spacecraft to orbit Jupiter in 1995

On December 7, 1995, Galileo braked into orbit around Jupiter — years late, with a jammed main antenna, and on the busiest day of its mission.

1972 Space · Space Exploration

Apollo 17 took the Blue Marble photo five hours after launch

Frame AS17-148-22727 was shot on December 7, 1972, about 29,000 km out — and no one can prove which astronaut pressed the shutter.

1941 History · War & Conflict

Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, pulling the U.S. into World War II

A surprise dawn raid on Hawaii crippled the Pacific Fleet and ended American neutrality overnight.

1787 Society & Economy · Politics & Law

Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution

Meeting in a Dover tavern, thirty delegates voted unanimously and won Delaware its enduring nickname.