[Fact 1: “Happy Birthday, NASA!”]
On August 5, 1958, the U.S. Congress passed legislation establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agency was formally dedicated on October 1, 1958. As such, NASA often celebrates its birthday twice—once on August 5 and once on October 1.
[Fact 2: The First Dissection]
In 1628, on August 5, the English physician William Harvey performed the world's first recorded dissection laying the foundation for the modern understanding of the circulatory system.
[Fact 3: Lights, camera, action]
On this day in 1914, the first ever traffic light was installed at the corner of East 105th Street and Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.
[Fact 4: A Time Capsule in Outer Space]
On August 5, 2011, NASA launched the Juno spacecraft to study Jupiter. The solar-powered spacecraft is carrying three Lego minifigures representing Galileo, the Roman god Jupiter and his sister Juno. Cute, isn’t it?
[Fact 5: A Noir Classic's Premiere]
The classic film “Double Indemnity” had its world premiere on August 5, 1944. It's one of the definitive film noirs and continued to enhance its director Billy Wilder’s reputation.
[Fact 6: "U Can't Touch This" Smash Hit]
Rap sensation MC Hammer released his iconic "U Can't Touch This" on August 5, 1990. It became a worldwide sensation and went on to achieve several awards including an MTV Video Music Award.
[Fact 7: Illinois joins the Union]
On August 5, 1818, Illinois adopted a new state constitution, a necessary step to admission to the Union, which finally happened in December of that year.
[Fact 8: Iconic Sci-Fi Series “The Outer Limits” First Aired]
This cult classic first hit the small screens on August 5, 1963, enthralling generations of viewers.
[Fact 9: King George IV's Coronation]
August 5, 1821, marks the day George IV was crowned King of the United Kingdom. His lavish and extravagant coronation was the most expensive royal event ever at the time.
[Fact 10: The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, New York Opened]
On August 5, 1994, this iconic Museum in New York opened its doors to the public, leading them on a journey through the lives of immigrant families who once lived there.
[Fact 11: Andy Warhol’s birth]
Legendary artist and leading figure of the visual art movement known as pop art, Andy Warhol, was born on August 5, 1928.
[Fact 12: J.K Rowling’s "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" released]
On August 5, 2003, the American edition of the book was published. It was the fifth installment of the famous Harry Potter series.
[Fact 13: David Duchovny’s birthday]
David Duchovny, the actor best known for his roles in TV series like "The X-Files" and "Californication", was born on this date in 1960.
[Fact 14: FDA approves ibuprofen for over-the-counter sale]
August 5, 1984, saw the Food and Drug Administration approve the sale of ibuprofen as an over-the-counter drug. Before this, it was only available via prescription.
[Fact 15: Happy National Underwear Day!]
Yes, you heard it right! August 5 is known as National Underwear Day. Created by a company called Freshpair in 2003, the day is celebrated by some by wearing their favorite underwear.
[Fact 16: The No. 1 hit that dominated 80's: “Jessie’s Girl”
Rick Springfield's hit single "Jessie's Girl" topped Billboard’s Hot 100 chart on August 5, 1981.
[Fact 17: Barry Bonds sets MLB walk record]
On August 5, 2002, Barry Bonds set a Major League Baseball (MLB) walk record with his 163rd walk of the season.
[Fact 18: Scottish inventor Alexander Bain gets a patent for his design of an electric clock]
On August 5, 1843, Alexander Bain was granted a patent for his pioneering design of an electric clock, paving way for the advancement of timekeeping technology.
[Fact 19: The Miracle of the Sun]
On August 5, 1663, a miracle occurred in Alsasua, Spain. Pilgrims witnessed the sun trembling or 'dancing' in the sky, known as "The Miracle of the Sun."
[Fact 20: “The Munsters” started filming]
On August 5, 1964, filming began for the iconic, family-friendly series “The Munsters,” which is still a beloved classic to this day.