2024February

February 18: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

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Did you know that on this day, February 18, 1954, the Church of Scientology was officially incorporated in Los Angeles?

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February 18th is officially Pluto Day & Drink Wine Day.

We’d like to welcome you to the 49th day of the year! There are 317 days left in 2024.

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 fun & interesting facts about February 18th in history!

Events

What memorable events happened on February 18 in history? Keep reading to find out!

2021

The Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars.

OTD in 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.

OTD in 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.

1978

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.

OTD in 1954: The first official Church of Scientology opened in Los Angeles

1930

American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto.

OTD in 1930: American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto.

The discovery was made at the Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

1901

Winston Churchill gave his first speech in the British House of Commons.

1885

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 Births

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

Jung Ho-seok

Age:

30 years old

Born In:

Gwangju, South Korea

1965

Dr. Dre

American

Rapper

Dr. Dre

Age:

59 years old

Born In:

California, USA

1954

John Travolta

American

Actor

John Travolta

Age:

70 years old

Born In:

New Jersey, USA

1933

Yōko Ono

Japanese

Multimedia Artist

Yōko Ono

Age:

91 years old

Born In:

Tokyo, Japan

Famous Deaths

Unfortunately, February 18th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…

1475

1564

Michelangelo

Italian

Sculptor

Michelangelo

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.

Died On:

Feb 18, 1564 (Age 88)

Died In:

Rome, Italy

Special Holidays

Here are some unusual holidays that are celebrated on this day.

February 18: Pluto Day
United States

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.

February 18: National Drink Wine Day
United States

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.

Birthday & Zodiac

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, 2024.

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Fact Check

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