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One surviving female of Galápagos tortoise species is found

Recent DNA testing shows that an intermixed, non-native population currently existing on the island of Isabela is of genetic resemblance to the species native to Floreana, suggesting that G. nigra has not gone entirely extinct. The existence of the C. phantastica species of Fernandina Island is disputed, as it was described from a single specimen that may have been an artificial introduction to the island; however, a live female was found, likely confirming the species' validity.

First American manned orbital flight

Former fighter pilot John Glenn became a fifth human and third American in space. He was the first American who orbited Earth. He completed three orbits. Re-entry was dramatic because of a faulty warming from the heat shield. Eventually, everything went well and Glenn splashed down in the North Atlantic Ocean.

First flying car is completed

The vehicle was built by American aviator Waldo Waterman. It flew for the first time next day. The flying car had cruising speed 164 kilometres per hour. It was unofficially called Waterman Whatsit. Five Whatsits were built, one crashed. Flying cars were often predicted by futurologists but never reached production.

Anniversaries of the (in)famous