5 January

January 5 is the fifth day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 360 days remain until the end of the year.

We have some interesting facts & historic events all about January 5th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.

Keep reading for more interesting facts about January 5th in history!

Table of Contents

  1. Global Celebrations
  2. Historic Events
  3. Famous Birthdays
  4. Heartbreaking Deaths

Global Celebrations

  • National Bird Day
  • National Whipped Cream Day

Historic Events

2005: The solar system’s largest known dwarf planet is discovered

The discovery of “Eris” ultimately lead to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgrading Pluto, which has roughly the same size, to a dwarf planet.

1993: The oil tanker MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands

The oil tanker spilled twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez in 1989.

1968: The Prague Spring begins

The period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia began with the election of Alexander Dubček as the country’s leader.

1933: Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.

1895: Alfred Dreyfus is sentenced to life imprisonment

The French artillery officer was accused of treason. He was later exonerated.

Famous Birthdays

1969: Marilyn Manson, American singer-songwriter, actor, director

1932: Umberto Eco, Italian philosopher, author

1928: Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistani politician, 4th President of Pakistan

1876: Konrad Adenauer, German politician, Chancellor of West Germany

1779: Stephen Decatur, American navy officer

Heartbreaking Deaths

2016: Pierre Boulez, French pianist, composer, conductor

1970: Max Born, German physicist, Nobel Prize laureate

1933: Calvin Coolidge, American politician, 30th President of the United States

1922: Ernest ShackletonIrish explorer

1589: Catherine de’ Medici, Italian/French wife of Henry II of France

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