February 11, 1990: Nelson Mandela released from prison

Nelson Mandela, the South African freedom fighter was freed from the prison after 27 years of captivity. He was a part of the African National Congress (ANC), the organization at the forefront of the South African political movement against apartheid.

February 12, 2013: Nuclear test by North Korea

Despite the warnings from the United Nations, North Korea tested out some nuclear weapons.  

February 14, 1929 – Discovery of Penicillin 

Sir Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered the antibiotic penicillin during his experiments with the influenza virus at the St. Mary’s Hospital in London. Upon his return from a vacation, Fleming saw mold growing on a Petri dish where he had left the staphylococcus bacteria exposed. He examined the mold and found that it inhibited the growth of bacteria.

February 15, 2013 - Russian Meteor Crash

More than 950 people were injured by the meteor crash in the Ural Mountain area of Russia. A 654 kg piece of the infamous meteorite was found in Lake Chebarkul. The crashing of the meteor caused an explosion that damaged property and injured many.