November 28th in Astronomy and Space Science
![]() | 1659 | Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens records the first observed surface feature on Mars, almost certainly Systis Major. By noting it's position on the planet in subsequent observations, he was able to determine a rotation period for Mars of "about 24 hours." The actual value is 24h 37m 24s. |
![]() | 1964 | US space probe Mariner 4 is launched. It passed 9,846 km (6,118 miles) from Mars on 14 July 1965 and took photographs covering about 1% of the surface. |