Fact 1: The Launch of Hubble Space Telescope
On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into space aboard the space shuttle Discovery. This was a groundbreaking event in the progress of astronomical exploration and technology. Hubble has provided some amazing visuals of the universe and helped to revolutionize our knowledge of it since then.
Fact 2: The Birth of a Hollywood Legend
Barbra Streisand, the legendary Hollywood star, was born on April 24, 1942. Besides her popularity as an actress, she's also renowned as a singer, songwriter, and filmmaker. She has received multiple awards including two Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and nine Golden Globes.
Fact 3: The First Video Cassette Recorder Is Introduced
On April 24, 1970, the Sony Corp introduced the first-ever video cassette recorder (VCR). This device significantly changed the way people consumed video content, providing the ability to record television broadcasts and watch them at a later time.
Fact 4: International Sculpture Day
April 24th is marked as "International Sculpture Day". This day is celebrated by artists, critics, collectors, and the public alike as a day of honoring the incredible talent and skills of sculptors around the world.
Fact 5: Genocide Remembrance Day
In Armenia, April 24 is known as Genocide Remembrance Day. This day commemorates the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide which began in 1915.
Fact 6: The Chemical Element Erbium
According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, the element Erbium's atomic number is 68 and its weight is 167, which added together equals 235, the same number you get when you add the numbers of the day (24) and the month (4) and multiply by the year’s numbers of any year divisible by 5.
Fact 7: Shakespeare’s Alleged Birthday
Although the exact date of William Shakespeare's birth remains a mystery, it is traditionally observed on 23 April. However, due to the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in Britain, Shakespeare's birthday is often celebrated on April 24.
Fact 8: National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
In a much lighter note, April 24 is also National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day in the United States. This foodie holiday celebrates the deliciousness of this finger food that is enjoyed by many across the country.
Fact 9: The Birthday of Robert B. Zoellick
Robert B. Zoellick, a notable American Attorney and diplomat, the former president of the World Bank, was born on April 24, 1953.
Fact 10: The Death of Bud Abbott
April 24, 1974, saw the demise of Bud Abbott, an American comedian and actor best known for his role in the comedy duo Abbott and Costello.
Fact 11: The Launch of Operation Babylift
April 24, 1975, marks the launch of Operation Babylift. This operation involved mass evacuations of orphans from South Vietnam to the United States and other countries.
Fact 12: The Release of Pink Floyd’s Debut Single
On April 24, 1967, Pink Floyd released their debut single, "Arnold Layne". This was the song that kick-started their journey to becoming one of the biggest rock bands in the world.
Fact 13: Adolf Hitler’s Birthday Celebrations
During the WWII-era, April 24 was commemorated as a public holiday in Nazi Germany, marking the celebration of Adolf Hitler's birthday.
Fact 14: The Formation Of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
On April 24, 1947, negotiations that led to the formation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which later became the World Trade Organization, began in Geneva.
Fact 15: The Release of "Let It Be"
On this date in 1970, the Beatles' film "Let It Be" premiered in the UK. The film offered an inside look at the making of the band's final studio album.
Fact 16: Saint Wilfrid's Day
In the Old English Calendar, April 24 is celebrated as Saint Wilfrid's Day, honoring Wilfrid, an English bishop, and saint.
Fact 17: Sachin Tendulkar's Birthday
April 24 is also the birthday of the Indian cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar. Known as the "God of Cricket," Tendulkar was born on this day in 1973.
Fact 18: World Day for Laboratory Animals
April 24 is recognized as World Day for Laboratory Animals. It's a day for people to reflect on the use of animals in scientific research and to promote the humane treatment of animals in laboratories.
Fact 19: The 1981 Oscar Hosts Were Born
Both Johnny Carson and Bette Davis, who co-hosted the 53rd Annual Academy Awards in 1981, were born on April 24 – although in different years!
Fact 20: The Incorporation of Western Union
On April 24, 1866, the Western Union Telegraph Company was incorporated, becoming the first American telecommunications company to maintain its own fleet of geosynchronous communication satellites.