31. 1981
A serious accident occurs on March 8, 1981, at Japan’s Tsuruga Nuclear Power Plant. A ruptured radioactive waste tank exposes workers and later drives greater scrutiny of reactor maintenance and waste management practices.
32. 1986
William Liller photographs Halley’s Comet on March 8, 1986, from Easter Island. The images contribute to a major international observing campaign and help scientists study the comet’s gas and dust activity.
33. 2001
Space Shuttle Discovery launches mission STS-102 on March 8, 2001, carrying the Expedition 2 crew and equipment to the International Space Station. The mission supports early ISS assembly and long-duration habitation.