Fact 1: A Leap Second Day
It's fascinating to note that August 17, 2012, was longer than the usual 24 hours due to a leap second addition. Leap seconds are occasional one-second adjustments required to keep time in sync with the Earth's rotation. A fascinating start to our knowledge about this specific day!
Fact 2: Recorded as the Happiest Day on Social Media
According to an analysis carried out by the Hedonometer, August 17, 2014, was one of the happiest days ever recorded on social media. The content shared on Twitter propelled happiness scores to exceptional heights, a heartening, positive fact about this day.
Fact 3: Significance in Indonesian History
August 17 is a day of great significance in Indonesian history, as it marks their Independence Day. The nation gained its independence from the Dutch government on August 17, 1945, and every year since has commemorated their freedom on this day.
Fact 4: Rare Astronomical Occurrence
On August 17, 2009, an expected minor planet titled 2009 PQ1 had its closest approach to Earth. The celestial body came within 0.91 Astronomical Units (AU) of Earth, which makes it a particularly close encounter by space standards.
Fact 5: Shared Date With Robert De Niro
August 17 is also the birthday of one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors, Robert De Niro. Born in 1943, De Niro became one of the most recognizable actors in the film industry with roles in films such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Godfather Part II.
Fact 6: The Great Emu War
Interestingly, the Australian 'Great Emu War' officially ended on August 17, 1932. This event, where Australian military personnel were used to stop the menace of emus, might sound like a joke today, but it was certainly significant at the time.
Fact 7: Interstellar Message Sent Out
August 17, 1973, marked an important date in space exploration history when NASA launched the Pioneer 10 spacecraft to Jupiter, carrying a golden plaque inscribed with an interstellar message for potential extraterrestrial civilizations.
Fact 8: The Start of a Broadway Sensation
On August 17, 1985, the Broadway play "Harrigan 'n Hart" began previews. It went on to receive Tony Awards and immense critical acclaim, marking the beginning of a true Broadway sensation.
Fact 9: Swiss Family Robinson Publication Date
The well-known adventure novel "Swiss Family Robinson" was first published in Switzerland on August 17, 1812, going on to captivate generations with its tale of survival and perseverance.
Fact 10: Centennial of Panama Canal
August 17, 2014, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal. Recognized as one of the most influential feats of engineering, the Panama Canal revolutionized maritime trade routes.
Fact 11: Death of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
On August 17, 1969, the world of architecture mourned the death of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. He was one of the pioneers of modernist architecture and left behind an impressive legacy.
Fact 12: Premiere of The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz, one of the most iconic films in cinematic history, premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood on August 17, 1939. It remains a classic and has influenced popular culture in countless ways.
Fact 13: Invention of the Electric Self-starter
On August 17, 1899, the electric self-starter for automobile engines was patented. This invention revolutionized the automobile industry, making it easier and safer for operators to start their vehicles.
Fact 14: Birth of Mae West
Another prominent figure born on August 17 was Mae West, an influential actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter, and comedian, known for her lighthearted bawdy double entendres.
Fact 15: SharePoint Launched
Microsoft SharePoint was first launched on August 17, 2001. SharePoint has since become a leading web-based, collaborative platform that integrates with Microsoft Office and is used by millions worldwide.
Fact 16: Birth of Davy Crockett
August 17, 1786, marked the birth of Davy Crockett, an American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier, and politician who is commonly referred to in popular culture by the epithet "King of the Wild Frontier".
Fact 17: Woodstock Ends
In 1969, the iconic music festival Woodstock officially ended on August 17, after three days of peace and music. It continues to be memorialized and cherished as a defining moment of the counterculture generation.
Fact 18: Mark Twain’s Comet
The Halley's comet, famously associated with Mark Twain, last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar system on August 17, 1994. Twain was born and died in years when Halley's comet was visible.
Fact 19: The Piltdown Man Hoax
On August 17, 1912, the discovery of the Piltdown Man, one of the most famous scientific hoaxes in history, was announced. The skull fragment was later revealed to be a forgery, throwing the scientific community into disarray.
Fact 20: Birth of Sean Penn
Last but not least, August 17 is the birthday of another renowned actor, Sean Penn. Born in 1960, Penn has had a distinguished career, earning two Academy Awards among other accolades for his performances in "Mystic River" and "Milk."