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
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
