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The Apollo 12 Launch: Nov. 14, 1969

As the world celebrates the first landing of a robot probe on a comet, remember Apollo 12's launch 45 years ago. Though the take-off was nearly a disaster, it led to mankind's second trip to the moon.

"Roaring upward into a dense cloud bank, Apollo 12 disappeared from view almost immediately, its trail outlined by twin lightning flashes," TIME reported. "As President Nixon watched open-mouthed among the drenched and awe-struck spectators, Astronaut Charles ("Pete") Conrad radioed back reassuring words: 'This baby is really going.'"

The Apollo 12 Launch: Nov. 14, 1969

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Nov. 14, 1977

Report Card for Schools

TIME

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World Kindness Day Is Nov. 13

Read TIME's 2010 story about a program that brings babies into classrooms to teach older kids how to be kind.

"Although human nature has historically been seen as fundamentally selfish, social neuroscience suggests otherwise. Researchers are finding that empathy is innate in most humans, as well as in some other species. Chimps, for instance, will protest unfair treatment of others, refusing to accept a treat they have rightfully earned if another chimp doing the same work fails to get the same reward."