Fact 1: King Tut's Tomb Discovery Day
February 18 is celebrated by history and archaeology enthusiasts as the anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb's entrance. Archaeologist Howard Carter found the sealed entrance on this day in 1922, sparking an interest in Egyptology that still endures today.
Fact 2: An Astronomical Feast
Beyond the reaches of our Earth, February 18 is a day of astronomical significance. It’s the day in 1930 when the Planet Pluto was discovered by the scientist Clyde W. Tombaugh, bringing our solar system's count of recognized planets to nine, at the time.
Fact 3: The Birth of the Phonograph
Thomas Edison, acclaimed as one of America's greatest inventors, patented the phonograph on February 18, 1878. This invention revolutionized the way people perceive the sound, allowing for sound recording and reproduction.
Fact 4: A Leap into Gambia's Independence
On February 18, 1965, Gambia gained independence from British colonial rule. The small African nation celebrates this as National Day, marking its leap into sovereignty and self-rule.
Fact 5: The Great Publication Debut
The Paris Herald Tribune, renowned as the European edition of the New-York Tribune, made its debut on February 18, 1887. Today, it's recognized as a significant English-language newspaper in France.
Fact 6: A Day for Marine Mammals
In 1966, Shamu, the first orca kept in captivity that was recognized publicly, made her debut performance at SeaWorld San Diego on February 18. Despite the various ethical debates surrounding captive whales, Shamu's debut undoubtedly brought more attention to these marine mammals.
Fact 7: A Nod to Fiji's History
On February 18, 1975, Fiji adopted its national flag, which distinctly features the Union Jack and a shield with local symbols. This day signals a significant moment in Fijian history and national consciousness.
Fact 8: The Chocolate Challenge
February 18, 2010, set a Guinness World Record for the largest chocolate sculpture. A replica of an ancient Mayan temple weighing 18,239 lbs was unveiled in Santa Ana, California, making it a day to remember for chocolate lovers.
Fact 9: The Day That Never Was in Sweden
In 1753, Sweden decided to strategically skip February 18 to adopt the Gregorian calendar. This makes it literally a day that never was in Sweden's history!
Fact 10: NASCAR’s Inherent Ties to February 18
Every year, the NASCAR season officially begins with the Daytona 500 race typically starting on or near February 18. It was also this date in 2001, where NASCAR suffered the tragic loss of one of its most beloved drivers, Dale Earnhardt Sr.
Fact 11: A Presidential Connection
Yoko Ono, an artist, musician, and activist best known as the late John Lennon’s wife, was ironically born on the same day - February 18, 1933 - as America's 35th president, JFK was officially declared a presidential candidate.
Fact 12: Record-Breaking Avalanche
The deadliest avalanche in United States history occurred on February 18, 1910. A flying avalanche in Wellington, Washington, resulted in 96 fatalities and immense physical destruction.
Fact 13: Dramatic Political Kidnapping
February 18, 2003, marked the day of a dramatic, politically-charged event in Colombia, where the Armed Revolutionary Nuclei kidnapped government official Francisco Santos Calderón. This event underlines the ongoing national security issues in many Latin American regions.
Fact 14: The Metropolis Theater Night
The highly influential science fiction film "Metropolis," directed by Fritz Lang, premiered in Berlin on February 18, 1927. Today, it stands as a symbol of early German cinema brilliance and foresight.
Fact 15: Mother Earth's Close Encounter
February 18, 2014, marks the day an asteroid, 2000 EM26, almost collided with Earth as it flew by at a close distance. This astronomical event is a constant reminder of the universe's unpredictable nature.
Fact 16: Johnny Appleseed Day
In some parts of the United States, Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on February 18. The legendary nurseryman is famed for his cultivation of apple tree nurseries across the Midwest.
Fact 17: Cygnus' Cosmic Predicament
The constellation Cygnus, positioned almost directly overhead during February 18, has an interesting fact attached to it. Around this date, the constellation appears to be 'falling' towards the horizon, hence earning the nickname the 'Falling Swan.'
Fact 18: Darwin's Patent Filing Day
February 18, 1874, is the day when Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, filed his last patent. This further emphasizes his diverse interests and his profound influence on life sciences.
Fact 19: Louis Comfort Tiffany's Legacy
Born on this day in 1848, Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American artist, and designer, is renowned for his work in stained glass, impacting the Art Nouveau movement greatly. His pieces are still admired and exhibited today.
Fact 20: An Uncommon Alignment
On February 18, 1961, an extraordinary celestial event occurred. All five visible planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn - aligned alongside the Sun and Moon within a 17-degree cluster. This rare alignment is something astrologers eagerly anticipate.