Fact 1: April 20 Marks the Half way point of the year
Yes, you read that right! If we exclude the end date, April 20 is the 110th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which means that after this day, 255 days are remaining until the end of the year. Therefore, it roughly marks the 1/3 point of the year.
Fact 2: Famous Astrononomer Johannes Kepler Died
Astronomers might find this date of significance as April 20, 1630, marked the death of famous mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer Johannes Kepler. One of the key figures in the 17th-century scientific revolution, he is best known for his laws of planetary motion.
Fact 3: A Date Famous for Birthdays in Music Industry
The music world celebrates quite a few birthdays on April 20. Avicii, Jessica Lange, Carmen Electra, and Joey Lawrence were all born on this day. They've all made significant contributions in their respective genre of music, making April 20 a special day in the music industry.
Fact 4: Venus Makes Rare Movements
On April 20, the planet Venus can demonstrate rare movements. It hasn't happened often, but historical records show that Venus has on occasion transited across the face of the Sun on this date - an astronomical phenomenon that is immensely significant to astronomers.
Fact 5: The Columbine High School Massacre
April 20, 1999 is the date of the tragic Columbine High School massacre. Two high school seniors embarked on a killing spree taking the lives of 12 students and one teacher, and injuring more than 20 others before committing suicide.
Fact 6: The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
A less joyous fact about April 20 is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. It began on this date in the Gulf of Mexico, causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters in modern history.
Fact 7: April 20 is UN Chinese Language Day
April 20 is celebrated as UN Chinese Language Day. The day recognises the history and contribution of the Chinese language and aims to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity.
Fact 8: National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day
In the U.S., April 20th is recognized as National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day, a day where people nationwide take part in baking and consuming this delicious dessert.
Fact 9: Adolph Hitler's Birthday
April 20 happens to be the birthday of one of history's most infamous figures, Adolf Hitler. The dictator was born on this day in 1889 in Austria.
Fact 10: Fenway Park Opening
One for baseball fans! Indeed, on April 20, 1912, Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, officially opened. It remains one of the oldest ballparks in the country.
Fact 11: 1926: A Triumph for Western Literature
April 20, 1926 marked an important day for Western Literature as “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published. Today, the story continues to be a widely-read and studied staple.
Fact 12: World's First Recognized Long-Distance Television Pictures
On April 20, 1939, the world's first recognized long-distance television pictures were transmitted by RCA to the New York World's Fair.
Fact 13: The Official Start of The League of Nations
20th April 1946 marked the official start of the dissolution of The League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations.
Fact 14: Weed Day
April 20 is known as "420" within cannabis culture. The term '420' is a slang in the cannabis culture for the consumption of cannabis, especially smoking around the time 4:20 p.m and also refers to cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place annually on April 20th.
Fact 15: The Day Apollo 16 Landed on the Moon
April 20, 1972, is the day that Apollo 16, manned by astronauts John Young and Charles Duke, landed on the moon.
Fact 16: Danica Patrick Makes History
On April 20, 2008, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an Indycar race, marking a significant moment in sports history.
Fact 17: Numerous Volcanoes Have Erupted on This Day
Amazingly, and somewhat terrifyingly, several volcanoes worldwide have erupted on April 20th throughout history. These include Mount Erebus in Antarctica in 1881, Mount Pelee in Martinique in 1925, and Mount Redoubt in Alaska in 2009.
Fact 18: April 20 is Lima Bean Respect Day
Here's a fun one for the food enthusiasts. The rather unusual 'Lima Bean Respect Day' is celebrated every year on April 20th!
Fact 19: Quebec’s National Patriots' Day
In Quebec, Canada, April 20 is known as National Patriots' Day, a statutory holiday instated to honor the rebels of the Lower Canada Rebellion in 1837 and 1838.
Fact 20: The First Woman to Swim the English Channel
On April 20, 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the English Channel, making a record with a time of 14 hours and 39 minutes. This feat brought massive attention to the sport of long-distance swimming.