Event:
Messier catalogs M83 (spiral galaxy in Hydra)
More Notable Events on February 17:
1959 1st weather satellite launched, Vanguard 2, 9.8 kg
1947 Voice of America begins broadcasting to U.S.S.R.
1933 1st issue of Newsweek magazine published
1867 1st ship passes through Suez Canal
1801 House breaks electoral college tie, chooses Jefferson President over Burr
