Daily Archives: September 3, 2026

Viking 2 spacecraft lands at Utopia Planitia on Mars 50 years ago this hour (Sep 3 1976)

1970s, space exploration


Video: 'Viking First Views of Mars'

(Friday, September 3, 1976, 22:37:50 UTC/18:37:50 EDT) — America’s Viking 2 lander became the second automated visitor from Earth to land successfully on Mars today to take the first close-up, color photographs of the red planet’s surface.

The Monkees finish recording ‘Kicking Stones’ 60 years ago this hour (Sep 3 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Monkees


Video: 'Kicking Stones (2006 Remaster)'

(Saturday, September 3, 1966, 2:00 p.m.-Midnight PDT) — The Monkees completed “Kicking Stones” today at RCA Victor Studio B in Hollywood but it would not be released until 1987.

‘Sunshine Superman’ by Donovan peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (Sep 3 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, September 3, 1966) — “Sunshine Superman” by Donovan peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week. Continue reading ‘Sunshine Superman’ by Donovan peaks at #1 in USA 60 years ago today (Sep 3 1966) →

‘Working in the Coal Mine’ by Lee Dorsey peaks at #8 in USA 60 years ago today (Sep 3 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s

(Saturday, September 3, 1966) — “Working in the Coal Mine” by Lee Dorsey peaked at #8 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two weeks. Continue reading ‘Working in the Coal Mine’ by Lee Dorsey peaks at #8 in USA 60 years ago today (Sep 3 1966) →

‘Day Tripper’ by The Vontastics peaks at #100 in USA 60 years ago today (Sep 3 1966)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s

(Saturday, September 3, 1966) — “Day Tripper” by The Vontastics (written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles) peaked at #100 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for one week.