Events associated with 14 September include the first human-made object reaching the Moon, the founding of OPEC and the writing of the words that became the United States national anthem.
1814: Francis Scott Key writes a famous poem
After witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote the words that became “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The poem was inspired by the sight of the United States flag still flying over the fort.
1959: Luna 2 reaches the Moon
The Soviet Union’s Luna 2 spacecraft reached the lunar surface on 14 September 1959.
NASA records Luna 2 as the first human-made object to make contact with another celestial body. The mission confirmed that the Moon did not have a significant magnetic field or radiation belt.
1960: OPEC is founded in Baghdad
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela founded the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in Baghdad on 14 September 1960.
OPEC was created to coordinate petroleum policies among its members. Its decisions have since played a major role in global oil markets and energy prices.
The date connects a wartime poem, a milestone in space exploration and the creation of an organisation that continues to influence the world economy.
