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 5^th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.

Keep reading for more interesting facts about January 5^th 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