29 fun facts for March, 18

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
March 18 is a day full of fascinating encounters, from the spacewalk of Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov to National Awkward Moments Day. Additionally, significant milestones in science, technology, and culture can be traced back to this date, making it a day full of memorable fun facts for enthusiasts of various fields.
29 Fun facts
  1. March 18 is National Awkward Moments Day in the United States. This day encourages people to embrace and laugh at their awkward encounters and mishaps instead of being embarrassed.
  2. In 1965, on March 18, Cosmonaut Aleksei Leonov became the first human to walk in space. His spacewalk lasted for 12 minutes and 9 seconds, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
  3. On March 18, 1892, the first public game of basketball took place in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of the game, was present to witness the event.
  4. Hawaii's Kilauea volcano experienced one of the most substantial eruptions in its history on March 18, 1983. The eruption continued until September 1983, creating new land and adding to the island's size.
  5. In the United States, March 18 is National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, celebrating the thin, crispy, and flavorful cookie made with oatmeal, sugar, and other ingredients.
  6. March 18, 1968, saw the unveiling of Ford's popular compact car, the Escort. The car quickly became Ford's best-seller in the United Kingdom, and production continued for six generations until 2000.
  7. On March 18, 2015, scientists discovered evidence of liquid water on Mars, contributing to new theories about the planet's history and the possibility of life.
  8. March 18 is National Biodiesel Day in the United States, celebrating the environmentally friendly fuel that is made from vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease.
  9. The classic thriller novel "Stand on Zanzibar" by John Brunner was published on March 18, 1968. This science fiction work predicted several aspects of contemporary society, such as the internet and satellite TV.
  10. In 1931, on March 18, the first electric razor, known as the Schick Injector Razor, was patented in the United States by Jacob Schick.
  11. The world's first nuclear power plant, Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant, was decommissioned on March 18, 2002. The plant started operating in 1954 and demonstrated the potential of nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
  12. On March 18, 2005, the controversial film "V for Vendetta" premiered in the United States. The film was based on the comic book of the same name written by Alan Moore.
  13. In 1850, on March 18, the pioneering engineering project of the Britannia Bridge, linking Anglesey and mainland Wales across the Menai Strait, opened for public use.
  14. On March 18, 1964, Mount Agung had a deadly volcanic eruption in Bali, Indonesia, taking over 1,000 lives and causing significant displacement.
  15. March 18, 1938, marks the day when Mexico nationalized oil reserves and facilities, leading to the creation of state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos, known as Pemex.
  16. In 1990, on March 18, East Germany held its first and only free elections before reunification, marking an important milestone in the end of the Cold War.
  17. The opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet premiered in Paris on March 18, 1875, and has since become one of the most beloved works in the genre.
  18. On March 18, 1961, American music composer and pianist Arthur Evans, created one of the longest piano pieces by playing continuously for 12 hours.
  19. Jacqueline Cochran, an American aviation pioneer, on March 18, 1953, set a women's altitude record of 43,000 feet in an F-86 Sabrejet.
  20. Minnesota officially became a state on March 18, 1858. It was the 32nd state to join the United States.
  21. On March 18, 1854, Birsa Munda, an Indian tribal freedom fighter, was born. He played a significant role in the Indian independence movement against British rule.
  22. March 18 is Latvian Legion Day, a commemoration of the Latvian Legionnaires who fought on the Eastern Front during World War II.
  23. Legal beer sales resumed in Iceland on March 18, 1989, after a prohibition of 74 years – a significant day for Icelandic drinking culture.
  24. March 18 is Transit Driver Appreciation Day, celebrated worldwide by transit systems to honor their transit drivers who help make public transportation possible.
  25. In 1933, the French restaurant Coq d'Or opened in Hollywood. On March 18, 1947, actor Humphrey Bogart and actress Lauren Bacall got engaged at this legendary eatery.
  26. On March 18, 2008, the gold price peaked to an all-time high of $1,033.90 per ounce, as a result of fears about an economic recession and high inflation.
  27. In 1965, on March 18, computer scientist Margaret Hamilton started working at MIT Instrumentation Laboratory. She later became the lead software engineer for the Apollo Lunar Lander.
  28. On March 18, 1998, the world's first portable MP3 player, the MPMan F10, was launched by a South Korean company called SaeHan Information Systems.
  29. March 18 is Sheelah's Day in Ireland. The day honors the story of Sheelah and St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is traditionally celebrated with a feast.

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