2003 (TU)

Events

 * January
 * January 1: The N! channel debuts on cable and satellite systems in 47 countries. A spinoff of the E! channel, N! is dedicated solely to the activities of novas. Among other features, it includes biographies of popular novas, quasi-scientific explorations of nova abilities and physiology, nova sports, and nova-related news from around the world. By April, N! becomes the highest-rated channel ever. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)


 * March
 * March 9: Team Tomorrow stages a dramatic rescue of the space shuttle Discovery after it is struck by a sizeable metor. The strike knocks the shuttle off-course and ignites an oxygen tank. The entire crew survives. This event marks the point at which governments begin to consider novas for space operations and exploration. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)


 * May
 * May 6: Project Utopia announces plans to terraform the Ethiopian Highlands. The project, a cooperative venture between Project Utopia, the UN and the Ethiopian government, marks the first attempt at engineering widespread geographical and environmental changes within a region. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)


 * September
 * September 25: A terrorist organization sets off an explosion in São Paulo using primitive fusion technology. Over 30 city blocks are levelled, and hundreds are killed. Team Tomorrow Americas arrives immediately to supply aid and assist in the investigation. Despite repeated reports of nova involvement in the bombing, no one has to date been charged. It is the most expensive attack in history, causing an estimated $20 billion in damage. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)


 * October
 * October 7: The Triton Foundation announces the discovery of a vaccine for AIDS. The World Health Organization declares October 7th "Red Ribbon Day" and, with the help of health organizations on the national and local levels, vaccinates 90% of the world population by the end of the year. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)


 * December
 * December 10: Henri Mazarin and Farah Rashoud receive the Nobel Prize in biology for their research into nova physiology and the discover of the M-R node. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), p 12)
 * December 31: Æon Society census reports appoximately 2800 known novas in the world population. (AB: Aberrant Core Rules (hardcover), pp 12)