February 18th is officially Pluto Day & Drink Wine Day.
We’d like to welcome you to the 49th day of the year! We still have 316 days left of this year.
From discoveries on land and in space to major changes in US law this day is a very special day indeed.
Did you know that on this day in 1954, the Church of Scientology was officially incorporated in Los Angeles? It has gone on to spread throughout the world, generating much debate along the way.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about February 18th in history!
What Events Happened On February 18 In History?
2021 The Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars.
Perseverance is the largest, most advanced rover NASA has sent to another world.
2010 WikiLeaks published the first US diplomatic cable leak provided by Chelsea Manning.
2009 Queen Elizabeth II knighted English fantasy author Terry Pratchett.
After the ceremony, Pratchett said: "You can't ask a fantasy writer not to want a knighthood. You know, for two pins, I'd get myself a horse and a sword."
1998 Opera singer Andrea Bocelli started his career in the production of “La bohème” in Cagliari.
1986 Actor Yul Brynner starred in an anti-smoking ad campaign while dying of smoking-related lung cancer.
1979 The Sahara Desert temperature dropped so low that some areas became covered in snow.
Read More1978 The first Ironman Triathlon was held in Kona, Hawaii, USA.
Participants endured a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, and 26.2-mile marathon!
1972 Capital punishment was declared unconstitutional in California, USA.
The California Supreme Court voted 6-1 against the death penalty, making it illegal in the state.
1965 The Republic of Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom.
1954 The first official Church of Scientology opened in Los Angeles, California, USA.
1930 American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto.
The discovery was made at the Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
Read More1901 Winston Churchill gave his first speech in the British House of Commons.
Read More1885 Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published in the United States.
Despite Twain being an American author, this sequel to the Adventures of Tom Sawyer was published in the UK & Canada before it was published in the US.
1503 Henry VIII, known then as Henry Tudor, established the title “The Prince of Wales.”
Famous People Born On February 18
Is today your birthday? If so, did you know that Dr. Dre was also born on this day? Here are more famous people born on this day.
1994 Jung Ho-seok
South Korean Rapper
- Age:
- 29 years old
- Born In:
- Gwangju, South Korea
1965 Dr. Dre
American Rapper
- Age:
- 58 years old
- Born In:
- California, USA
1954 John Travolta
American Actor
- Age:
- 69 years old
- Born In:
- New Jersey, USA
1933 Yōko Ono
Japanese Multimedia Artist
- Age:
- 90 years old
- Born In:
- Tokyo, Japan
Famous People Who Died On This Day
1475 - 1564 Michelangelo
Michelangelo was an Italian sculptor born on March 6, 1475. He died on this day in 1564, at age 88 in Rome, Italy.
Special Holidays On February 18
Here are some unusual holidays that are celebrated on this day.
Pluto Day
Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, and although it was initially a planet, it was resigned from planet status in 2006. Nonetheless, this dwarf planet still deserves recognition, and that’s why today is Pluto Day.
National Drink Wine Day
We know, we know, any day is a good day for a drop of wine, but that’s not the point today. Drink Wine Day is a wonderful excuse to indulge yourself a little and splash out on a fancier bottle for a change.
THe Fact Site's
Fun Fact Of The Day
Snoop Dogg’s real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr. His “Snoop Dogg” nickname came from his mother, who thought he looked like Snoopy from the Peanuts.
February 18 Birthday Facts, Zodiac & Birthstone
People who were born on February 18 share the Aquarius zodiac sign.
Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the zodiac, originating from the constellation Aquarius.
Anyone born in February has the Amethyst birthstone. People with the Amethyst birthstone tend to be stubborn and daring but will usually follow their dreams, no matter what.
If you were born on this day, it’s likely that you were conceived on May 28 in the previous year.
The due date for a baby conceived on this day is around November 11, 2023.
