50 Years Ago

Space

50 years ago, scientists didn’t know where heavy elements came from

Five decades ago, scientists suspected ordinary supernovas created heavy elements. Now we know they don’t, but merging neutron stars do.

Humans

50 years ago, income inequality was severe in the U.S. It still is

In 1969, lower-income households tended to be nonwhite and in the U.S. South. That still holds true today.

Climate

50 years ago, scientists puzzled over a slight global cooling

Five decades ago, scientists were puzzled over a slight dip in global temperatures. Today we know it was just a blip, and that Earth’s climate is warming thanks to industrial activity over the last century.