In 2012, the world was gripped by the belief that the apocalypse was imminent on December 21st, as predicted by the Mayan Calendar. However, the world did not meet its fiery end.
Instead, a different kind of explosion took place on YouTube as Psy’s “Gangnam Style” became the first video to reach one billion views, captivating audiences worldwide.
Another notable YouTube sensation of the year was the documentary “Kony 2012,” which became the most-liked video on the platform, shedding light on a Ugandan warlord.
For the United States, 2012 was a monumental year, with American Olympic athletes bringing home an astounding 48 gold medals.
It was also the year when “The Avengers” movie premiered, smashing box-office records and earning over $1.5 billion globally. The superhero ensemble film not only dominated the silver screen but also claimed the title of the highest-grossing film of 2012.
While 2012 may have escaped the clutches of an apocalypse, it left an indelible mark with viral sensations, sporting triumphs, and record-breaking cinematic achievements.
Continue reading to delve into the year 2012, where you’ll uncover important events, news stories, iconic music, notable quotes, and so much more!
Events
Brace yourself for an incredible ride through the epic events that defined the unforgettable year of 2012.
Feb 13
The European Space Agency successfully launched the Vega launch rocket for the first time.
The launch took off from the Centre Spatial Guyanais, otherwise known as Europe’s Spaceport, located in French Guiana. The Vega’s maiden flight carried nine satellites into orbit – two science satellites and seven miniature satellites called CubeSats. The mission was a complete success.
May 25
SpaceX’s Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to dock at the International Space Station.
The spacecraft was named after the song “Puff, the Magic Dragon” as a response to those who said the project was impossible. In addition to succeeding, Dragon also made a cargo delivery to the ISS on its voyage.
Sep 24
China banned all literature from Japan or by Japanese authors.
An anti-Japanese campaign began in China following the Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands dispute between the two countries, which Japan stole back in 1931. Anything produced in Japan was boycotted, and shops began not to stock Japanese goods.
Nov 13
A total solar eclipse darkened parts of northern Australia, including Queensland and the South Pacific.
Total solar eclipses create a shadow visible in a narrow path and last briefly at any given spot. Cairns, the most populous city in the path of totality, was lucky to see the Moon fully obscure the Sun for two whole minutes.
Dec 12
After countless failures, North Korea launched its first satellite.
Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2 (“Bright Star” in English) was designed as an Earth-observation satellite, but international parties condemned its launch. This was largely down to the fact that the launch rocket used the same technology as a ballistic missile, which North Korea was banned from testing at the time.
Famous Deaths
Here’s a glimpse at a few famous people who bid us farewell in 2012.
1963
2012
Whitney Houston
American
Singer
1963
2012
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer born on August 9, 1963. She died on February 11, 2012, at age 48 in Beverly Hills, California, USA.
Died On:
Feb 11, 2012 (Age 48)
Died In:
California, USA
Quotes
Here’s a roundup of the most memorable quotes people said in 2012.
Feb 1
The good old days, when each idea had an owner, are gone forever.
Paulo Coelho
Brazilian Lyricist
Dec 19
All success comes with patience, and with patience comes power.
Oprah Winfrey
American TV Host
2012 In Music
In 2012, the music world was on fire with an incredible lineup of sensational tracks that defined the year!
From the heartfelt tune “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye ft. Kimbra to the electrifying beats of “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, these songs captured our hearts and had us singing along wherever we went.
Discover the music moments from 2012 that deserve recognition.
Album of the Year
Adele’s powerhouse album “21” captivated the world in 2012, earning her the Grammy for Album of the Year and cementing her status as a vocal powerhouse in pop music.
Song of the Year
Adele’s powerful vocals and emotional depth resonated once again in 2012, as she claimed the Grammy Award for Song of the Year with her soul-stirring hit “Rolling in the Deep.”
Best New Artist
Bon Iver’s ethereal sound and introspective songwriting won them the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2012, captivating listeners with their atmospheric melodies.
Eurovision Song Contest Winner
Baku, Azerbaijan, played host to the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, dazzling audiences with a combination of cultural flair and spectacular performances.
Loreen, a dynamic artist from Sweden, enchanted viewers with her dance-pop anthem “Euphoria,” claiming a well-deserved victory and securing Sweden’s fifth win in Eurovision.
2012 in Numbers
Get ready to be amazed by numbers! 2012 can be written as MMXII in Roman numerals and as 11111011100 in binary.
Leap Year
In 2012, February consisted of 29 days instead of the usual 28, marking it as a leap year. This periodic adjustment ensures that our calendar aligns with the Earth’s orbit, preventing significant shifts in the seasons over time.
Chinese Zodiac 2012
According to the Chinese zodiac cycle, 2012 was The Year of the Dragon, which occurs once every twelve years.
Interestingly, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold (Metal), and Water. So not only was 2012 the Year of the Dragon, it was actually the Year of the Water Dragon, which occurs once every sixty years!
Due to the unique nature of the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Water Dragon began on January 23rd, aligning with their lunar cycle, and continued until February 9, 2013.
Those born in the Year of the Dragon are charismatic, ambitious, and full of vitality. They have natural leadership abilities and possess a magnetic personality that draws others towards them.
The Years of the Dragon have blessed us with influential figures such as Ryan Reynolds and Lil Dicky.
2012 Trivia
During the 2012 London Olympics, the Spanish synchronized swimming team performed their routine to music from “Star Wars.”
In a surprising and delightful twist, they synchronized their routine with music from the “Star Wars” series, including the iconic Imperial March.
This unexpected fusion of genres added a memorable and entertaining element to the Olympic competition, showcasing the athletes’ creativity and versatility.
