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Russian scientist Alexander Stepanovich Popov demonstrates to the Russian Physical and Chemical Society his invention -

Russian scientist Alexander Stepanovich Popov demonstrates to the Russian Physical and Chemical Society his invention - the world's first radio receiver in St. Petersburg. Celebrated as Radio Day in Russia.

Alexander Stepanovich Popov (sometimes spelled Popoff; Russian: Александр Степанович Попов; March 16 [O.S. March 4] 1859 – January 13 [O.S. December 31, 1905] 1906) was a Russian physicist who was one of the first people to invent a radio receiving device.

Popov's work as a teacher at a Russian naval school led him to explore high-frequency electrical phenomena. On 7 May 1895, he presented a paper on a wireless lightning detector he had built that worked via using a coherer to detect radio noise from lightning strikes. This day is celebrated today in Russia as Radio Day. In a 24 March 1896 demonstration, he transmitted radio signals 250 meters between different campus buildings in St. Petersburg.

Historical Significance

Alexander Stepanovich Popov (sometimes spelled Popoff; Russian: Александр Степанович Попов; March 16 [O.

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  4. J. L. Johnstone of England invents the starting gate for horse racing

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  5. Jules Massenet's opera "Thaïs" premieres in Paris, includes piece “Méditation” for violin and orchestra

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Events After

  1. German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays

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  2. American Emile Grubbe is the first doctor to use radiation treatment for breast cancer

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  3. Giacomo Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premieres in Turin

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  4. Charilaos Vasilakos of Greece wins the first modern marathon in 3:18 at the Panhellenic Games

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  5. Writer "Heart of Darkness" Joseph Conrad (39) marries Englishwoman Jessie George (23)

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German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen announces his discovery of X-rays

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 7, 1895?
Alexander Stepanovich Popov (sometimes spelled Popoff; Russian: Александр Степанович Попов; March 16 [O.S. March 4] 1859 – January 13 [O.S. December 31, 1905] 1906) was a Russian physicist who was one of the first people to invent a radio receiving device.
Why is Russian scientist Alexander Stepanovich Popov demonstrates to the Russian Phy... significant?
Alexander Stepanovich Popov (sometimes spelled Popoff; Russian: Александр Степанович Попов; March 16 [O.

Explore More

May 7 in HistoryYear 1895