Fact 1: The 18th Day of the Tenth Roman Month
December 18 marks the 18th day in the tenth month in the ancient Roman calendar. The word "December" originates from the Latin word "Decem," which literally translates to ten. The ancient Roman calendar began in March, making December the tenth month.
Fact 2: Famous People Born on December 18
Some famous individuals share December 18 as their birthday. These include Sia Furler, an Australian singer-songwriter, Steven Spielberg, a renowned American filmmaker, Brad Pitt, an American actor, and Keith Richards, a member of the Rolling Stone band.
Fact 3: The Day New Jersey Joined the Union
On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to join the United States Union. It was officially admitted just a week after Delaware, the first state was admitted.
Fact 4: An Astronomical Landmark
The Great Conjunction, a rare astronomical event where Jupiter and Saturn appear very close together to the naked eye, occurred on December 18, 2020. This phenomenon hadn't been seen for nearly 400 years.
Fact 5: International Migrants Day
Every year, December 18 is observed as International Migrants Day. The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day in December 2000, to acknowledge the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide.
Fact 6: Arabic Language Day
Also, on December 18, the world celebrates Arabic Language Day. The day marks the decision the UN made to recognize Arabic as one of its six official languages, a decision that was enacted on this day in 1973.
Fact 7: A Special Day in Qatar
December 18 is a public holiday in Qatar, known as "Qatar National Day". The event solidifies Qatar’s identity and commemorates the country gaining its sovereignty in 1878.
Fact 8: Star Wars Connection
December 18 is a special day for Star Wars fans, as both Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, were released on this date.
Fact 9: The Close Call of Apollo 17
Apollo 17 astronauts splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on December 18, 1972, after an abrasion was discovered on a rear fender of the lunar rover, marking an end of the series of manned lunar explorations.
Fact 10: The Wright Brothers' First Flight
It is commonly believed that the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight on December 17, 1903. However, some calendars back then set the date as December 18 because of the time difference applied.
Fact 11: Launch of SpaceX's CRS-13
On December 18, 2017, SpaceX's CRS-13, the commercial resupply service flight to the International Space Station was launched. It marked the first time that NASA used a previously-flown Falcon 9 first stage for a resupply mission.
Fact 12: The Blue Marble Photograph
One of the most famous photographs of Earth, "The Blue Marble," was taken by Apollo 17 astronauts on December 18, 1972. It’s one of the most widely distributed images in human history.
Fact 13: Release of the Film Titanic
December 18, 1997, marked the release of the iconic film Titanic. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time.
Fact 14: The Great Storm of '99
On December 18, 1999, Europe was hit by a severe storm, bringing hurricane-like winds and extensive damages, with France facing the worst of it.
Fact 15: Full Moon Phase
The full moon phase on December 18 is known as the "Cold Moon." It marks the arrival of the winter's cold and long nights in the northern hemisphere.
Fact 16: Dickens' A Christmas Carol Release
Charles Dickens' heartwarming novella "A Christmas Carol" was first published on December 18, 1843. It has since become synonymous with the Christmas holiday.
Fact 17: The Premiere of The Nutcracker Ballet
Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, The Nutcracker, had its premiere in St. Petersburg on December 18, 1892. The ballet has since become a Christmas classic worldwide.
Fact 18: Benefit Corporation Establishment Day
Benefit corporations officially became part of American corporate law on December 18, 2010, when Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed a bill permitting businesses to register as such.
Fact 19: Day of the Week Record
In the last 400 years, December 18 has been a Monday or Saturday more often than any other day of the week.
Fact 20: The First Electric Elevator Patent
On December 18, 1888, Frank J. Sprague received a patent for the first electric elevator. It marked a significant milestone in skyscraper construction.