International Geophysical Year

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) was a collaborative scientific effort that took place from 1957 to 1958, involving over 60 countries. Its purpose was to promote research in various fields of Earth sciences, such as geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The IGY was significant for fostering international cooperation during the Cold War, leading to major discoveries about the Earth’s atmosphere, magnetic field, and the polar regions. Notably, it sparked innovations in satellite technology and laid the groundwork for future scientific projects, including the establishment of the first artificial satellites, such as Sputnik.