Fact 1: The Day of the Monkey
December 14 is known as International Monkey Day. Originally conceived by students at Michigan State University in 2000, this day marks an unofficial holiday that celebrates not only monkeys, but all non-human primates including apes, tarsiers, and lemurs.
Fact 2: Birth of the South Pole
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first people to reach the South Pole, marking a monumental moment in our global exploration history.
Fact 3: Marked Presence in Literature
December 14th is mentioned in literature quite often. One such iconic instance is in Charles Dickens' famous tale "A Christmas Carol," where Ebenezer Scrooge's life-changing dream experiences start on the night of December 14th.
Fact 4: Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Candy lovers celebrate 'National Chocolate Covered Anything Day' on December 14. As the name states, you can enjoy anything and everything covered with chocolate. This day provides a great opportunity for everyone to satiate their sweet tooth.
Fact 5: The Moon Impact Probe
It was on December 14, 2008, when the Indian Space Research Organisation's Moon Impact Probe detached from the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft at a height of 100km and struck the south pole of the lunar surface. This marked India's first successful reach to the moon.
Fact 6: The Death of George Washington
December 14th also marks the death of the first President of the United States, George Washington. He passed away on this day in 1799, at his plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia. It's remembered as a day of great loss for the nation.
Fact 7: World Energy Conservation Day
World Energy Conservation Day is celebrated on December 14 each year to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation for the sustainability of global ecosystems.
Fact 8: The Debut of "Gone with the Wind"
One of the most iconic films in American history, "Gone with the Wind," had its premiere in Atlanta, Georgia on December 14, 1939. The event was a star-studded affair attended by thousands of spectators.
Fact 9: The Beginning of Operation Typhoon
On December 14th, 1941, Operation Typhoon – a German assault on Moscow during the Second World War – was officially halted due to freezing temperatures and counterattacks by the Red Army.
Fact 10: DNA Patenting
On this day in 1980, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Diamond v. Chakrabarty) permitted the patenting of genetically modified organisms, transforming future possibilities of genetic engineering.
Fact 11: The Birth of the National Hockey League
The National Hockey League was officially formed on December 14, 1917, marking a significant day for all ice hockey enthusiasts.
Fact 12: Bouvet Island Discovery
An uninhabited and remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, Bouvet Island, was discovered on December 14, 1739, by French naval officer Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier.
Fact 13: The Existence of Antarctica Confirmed
On December 14, 1820, Russian explorers Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev confirmed the existence of the previously speculated continent of Antarctica.
Fact 14: First Miniature Electronic Calculator
On December 14, 1967, Texas Instruments announced the invention of the first miniature electronic calculator, a landmark event in the field of technology.
Fact 15: Release of Mariner 2 Data
NASA released the first close-range images of Venus obtained by Mariner 2, on December 14, 1962. This marked a milestone in space exploration.
Fact 16: The Statehood of Alabama
On this day in 1819, Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd U.S. state, making December 14th a significant date in its history.
Fact 17: Nostradamus's Birthday
December 14th is the birthday of the renowned clairvoyant and physician Nostradamus, who was born in 1503. He's famous for his book, "Les Propheties," which features many prophecies, and is still widely read today.
Fact 18: First Woman Governor of the United States Was Sworn-In
A significant landmark in the history of women's empowerment occurred on December 14, 1924, when Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first woman to be sworn in as the Governor of a U.S. state.
Fact 19: First U.S. Submarine Commissioned
On December 14, 1902, the first American submarine, the USS Holland was officially commissioned by the United States Navy, marking an important development for military marine technology.
Fact 20: The Day of Light
In 2008, the United Nations declared 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies. On December 14, official closing ceremonies wound up a global celebration highlighting contributions light science makes to humanity. This day has continued to be remembered for the importance of light and light-based technology in our lives.