On this day in history - Today, August, 21

Today in History

• 1993 NASA loses communication with the Mars Observer almost a year after its launch

  The robotic space probe was tasked with exploring and studying the Red Planet.

• 1991 Latvia gains full independence from the Soviet Union

  Founded in 1918, the Republic of Latvia was fully incorporated as a Soviet republic after the Second

• 1986 Limnic eruption in Lake Nyos in Cameroon kills about 1700 people

  A high amount of carbon dioxide was released by the underwater volcanic eruption.

• 1911 The Mona Lisa is stolen

  The famed Leonardo da Vinci painting was stolen by a Louvre employee. It was recovered 2 years late

• 1879 Oldsmobile is founded by Ransom Eli Olds of Olds Motor Works

  The popular brand of car was first manufactured in Lansing, Michigan. The company was purchased by G