Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency, introduced in a white paper published in 2008 by an unknown person or group using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. The network began operating in January 2009, when the first block of its public ledger, called the blockchain, was created. A message embedded in that block referred to a newspaper headline about bank bailouts. Transactions are verified by a distributed network of computers through a process called proof of work, without a central bank, and the supply is capped at 21 million coins. Bitcoin's price has been highly volatile. It inspired thousands of other cryptocurrencies and a debate over its value, energy use and regulation.
Before and after
- 2009Rise of effective altruism
- 2009Premiere of As Aventuras de Gui & Estopa
- 2009Establishment of Band-e Amir National Park
- 2 January 2009Discovery of HAT-P-11 b
- 3 January 2009Release of Bitcoin
- 7 January 2009Premiere of Masha and the Bear
- 15 January 2009US Airways Flight 1549
- 20 January 2009First inauguration of Barack Obama
- 3 February 2009Discovery of COROT-Exo-7b
More in Science & technology
- 1945Discovery of promethium
- 1950Discovery of californium
- 18 February 1970Discovery of dubnium
- July 1974Discovery of seaborgium
- 1976Discovery of bohrium
- 29 August 1982Discovery of meitnerium
The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 21st century.