Space Shuttle ( 1977 ) The space shuttle Enterprise, sitting atop a Boeing 747, went on its maiden flight above the Mojave Desert

Pluto Discovered
18th February ( 1930 ) : Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh located a new planet while in the observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, and named it after the Greek god of the underworld, Pluto. ( It has since been downgraded to a dwarf planet )

Sonja Henie
18th February ( 1932 ) : Sonja Henie won her 6th straight World Women's figure skating title in Montreal, Canada


Dust Storms 18th February ( 1937 ) Dust storms hit five states-in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Within a few days, a dozen deaths had occurred. Likewise, influenza and pneumonia patients were easily affected, as the dust storms had made breathing difficult for them. The dust storms were so severe that people could taste the dirt and other substance in their food at dinner time. Furthermore, clouds of dust were so thick that it blocked the light of the sun. Homeowners and/or renters were advised to plug their window sills and door jams as well as hang wet sheets over doors and windows. However, it was nearly impossible to make an area 100% dust-free.