1006:

Supernova Sighted

Scholars believe that a supernova, the brightest ever observed, was observed in Europe, China, Japan, and Egypt. The explosion of Supernova 1006 occurred near the star Beta Lupi, on the border to Centaurus in the constellation Lupus. Supernovae are exploding stars that may give off a luminosity 100 million times that of the sun.

1562:

First French Colonists Land in New World

The first French colonists landed in the New World on the Florida coast near Cape Canaveral. The leader of the Huguenots Admiral Gaspard de Coligny selected explorer Jean Ribault to survey the New World for possible locations for a Huguenot colony. After landing in Florida, he sailed northward to the mouth of a wide river the Spanish called the St. Johns, but which Ribault renamed the River of May. He landed on a small river island, which he called Mayport, and constructed a five-sided column featuring a bronze shield bearing the cost-of-arms of Queen Catherine. Curious Timucuan Indians under Chief Saturiba visited the Huguenot encampment. The French presented the Timucuans with gowns of blue embroidery. In return, Saturiba stocked the French with maize, beans, cucumbers, and fish. Ribault wrote glowingly of the friendliness of the contact. Returning to Europe, Ribault stopped at the Broad River, near present-day Parris Island, South Carolina. He called the spot Port Royal and in complete disobedience with Coligny's orders not to start a settlement, Ribault built a log blockhouse, named Charlesfort. Here, fifty-eight years before the Pilgrims, Ribault left thirty soldiers under Albert de la Pierria to settle the site. It was found abandoned the following year. Unknown to all in Europe, the tiny garrison at Charlesfort had revolted against Captain Pierra and constructed a crude longboat and headed along the coast. An English fishing craft miraculously rescued them. When the Spanish reached Charlesfort in 1563, they found the settlement deserted.

The above events were submitted by John Herrman. Thanks, John!