37 fun facts for July, 23

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
July 23rd is a day marked by significant historical events, notable birthdays, and worldwide celebrations. From the celebration of National Gorgeous Grandma Day in the United States to the discovery of Earth-sized exoplanet Kepler-452b, this day is filled with fun and fascinating facts that span across various fields and interests.
37 Fun facts
  1. July 23rd is National Gorgeous Grandma Day in the United States, a day to celebrate and appreciate the beauty and wisdom of grandmothers and the contributions they make to families and society.
  2. In 1829, William Austin Burt patented the first practical typographer, which later evolved into the modern-day typewriter. This invention made it easier for people to produce written documents quickly and accurately.
  3. On July 23, 1885, Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, passed away from throat cancer. He was also a famous Union general during the Civil War, instrumental in the Union’s eventual victory.
  4. In 1903, the Ford Motor Company sold its first car, a Ford Model A, to a dentist named Dr. Ernst Pfenning. This marked the beginning of one of the largest automobile companies in the world.
  5. The Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, was unveiled on July 23, 1927. It honors the missing soldiers from World War I and serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict.
  6. In 1942, German Luftwaffe test pilot Helmut Schenk became the first person to use an ejection seat on this day, successfully parachuting from his disabled aircraft at 7,874 feet (2,400 meters) above ground.
  7. On July 23, 1952, a military coup organized by the Free Officers Movement led by Mohammed Naguib and Gamal Abdel Nasser overthrew King Farouk I of Egypt. This led to the establishment of the modern Republic of Egypt and the end of the monarchy.
  8. In 1962, the Telstar satellite was used to transmit the first live transatlantic television signal. This demonstrated the potential for international live broadcasting and was a milestone in the development of global communications.
  9. In 1972, the first Earth Resources Technology Satellite, later renamed Landsat 1, was launched by NASA. The Landsat program has been instrumental in various fields, including agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.
  10. July 23rd marks the birth of Swedish actor Max von Sydow in 1929, known for his roles in The Exorcist, The Seventh Seal, and The Greatest Story Ever Told.
  11. On July 23, 1982, the International Whaling Commission voted to impose a moratorium on commercial whaling. The decision aimed to protect the dwindling global whale population.
  12. In 1984, 13-year-old Vanessa Williams became the first Miss America to resign after nude photos of her were published in Penthouse magazine. This scandal led to the creation of the "Morals Clause" in the Miss America contract.
  13. In 1986, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson were married in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The couple later divorced in 1996.
  14. On July 23, 1995, astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp independently discovered the Hale-Bopp comet, one of the brightest comets of the 20th century.
  15. In 1999, Space Shuttle Columbia launched on mission STS-93, with astronaut Eileen Collins becoming the first woman to command a shuttle flight.
  16. On July 23, 2007, a global synchronized aurora observation event called the "Firefly" took place. More than 100 researchers around the world observed the Northern and Southern Lights, improving our understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere.
  17. In 2010, the JK Rowling-penned "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park officially opened at Universal Studios Orlando, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the magical world of their favorite book and movie series.
  18. On July 23, 2011, musician Amy Winehouse, known for her distinctive voice and soulful songwriting, tragically passed away at the age of 27.
  19. In 2012, a series of earthquakes struck the Chinese province of Yunnan, causing significant damage and leading to the deaths of approximately 80 people.
  20. In 2013, Prince George of Cambridge, son of Prince William and Kate Middleton, was born. He is third in line to the British throne.
  21. On July 23, 2015, NASA announced the discovery of Kepler-452b, the first Earth-sized exoplanet discovered in the habitable zone around its star. This discovery sparked excitement and speculation about the potential for extraterrestrial life.
  22. In 2016, Solar Impulse 2, a solar-powered aircraft, completed a non-stop flight around the world, showcasing the potential of environmentally friendly air travel.
  23. Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez was born on July 23, 1969. She is known for her roles in movies like Selena, Maid in Manhattan, and her successful music career.
  24. July 23rd is the birthday of American actor and comedian Marlon Wayans, born in 1972, known for his roles in the Scary Movie franchise, White Chicks, and In Living Color.
  25. In 1989, American baseball player Daniel Espinoza, known for his skills as a utility infielder, was born on July 23.
  26. July 23rd is the feast day of Saint Bridget of Sweden, a medieval mystic, and patron saint of Europe. She was known for her religious writings and visions.
  27. On July 23, 1973, American actor Monica Lewinsky was born. She gained international infamy due to her involvement in the 1998 Bill Clinton scandal.
  28. American actress, entrepreneur, and politician Ashley Judd was born on July 23, 1968. She is known for her roles in Double Jeopardy, High Crimes, and the Divergent series.
  29. July 23rd is the birthday of American actress Charisma Carpenter, born in 1970, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Veronica Mars.
  30. In 1989, South African rugby player and captain Francois Louw was born on July 23. He has played internationally for South Africa and in the English Premiership for Bath.
  31. On July 23, 2017, the Sri Lankan government designated the town of Kandy as a World Heritage site.
  32. In 2002, a historic peace pact was signed called the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement, where parties agreed to establish a transitional power-sharing government in Ivory Coast.
  33. July 23rd is the birthday of actor Woody Harrelson, born in 1961. Some of his most renowned films include "Zombieland," "White Men Can't Jump,” and "Natural Born Killers."
  34. On July 23, 2019, Boris Johnson was elected leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, and subsequently became the Prime Minister.
  35. In 2011, singer and songwriter Rebecca Black released the music video for her now infamous song, "Friday."
  36. On July 23, 1976, American actor Omar Epps was born. He is known for his roles in House, Love & Basketball, and Shooter.
  37. In 2005, the rock band Queen and Paul Rodgers performed to approximately 85,000 people for the opening of the new Wembley Stadium in London.

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