Also on this day

Philosopher Giordano Bruno, who believed that stars were distant suns with their own planets, is burned at the stake in Rome.

French playwright Molière, right, dies at 51. winter. So why even attempt it? The best answer remains that from George Mallory.

When asked why he wanted to scale Everest – then unclimbed – he replied: “Because it’s there.” He was last seen alive in 1924, 800ft from the summit. His body was found 75 years later.

A winter ascent of Everest was another challenge and another landmark in mounaineering achievements. And, perhaps surprisingly in this globally-connected age, there are still lofty worlds to conquer.

Gangkhar Puensum, or the White Peak of the Three Spiritual Brothers in Bhutan, is the 40th highest mountain in the world, at 24,840ft, but all efforts to reach its peak ended in failure before climbing on the “awful but fascinating” mountain was banned altogether, out of respect for local spiritual beliefs.

Muchu Chhish in Pakistan, at 24,449ft, is the highest unprohibited peak to remain unclimbed. Its near inaccessible location deters all but the most intrepid. Perhaps these summits will stay undisturbed, but so long as the challenge remains, it may only be a matter of time.

Last week I asked, which US swimmer, born on February 10, 1950, won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics? The answer is Mark Spitz. This week: Which American jazz pianist whose works include Round Midnight died on this day in 1982?

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