NHAS - Today in Astronomy History

	885	Chinese astronomers report an occultation of the star α Leonis (Regulus) by the planet Venus.
	1892	American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard discovers Amalthea, the fifth moon of Jupiter, and the first discovered after the four large, bright moons found by Galileo in 1610 (Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede). Barnard is better known for having discovered the star with the largest measured proper motion, now known as Barnard's Star.
	1975	US launches the Viking 1 spacecraft. It is launched 20 days after Viking 2, but arrives at Mars on 19 June 1976, almost 2 months before its twin. The lander touches down on 20 July 1976 and transmits photos and data for the next 6½ years.
	1978	USSR launches the Venera 11 spacecraft. It lands on Venus on 25 Dec 1978, 800 km (500 miles) from the spot where Venera 12 had landed 4 days earlier. It transmits data for 110 minutes including temperature, pressure, and atmospheric composition.