38 fun facts for August, 9

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< August, 8
August, 10 >>
Summary
August 9th is a day filled with various international observations, notable historical events, and birthdays of significant individuals. From the celebration of National Book Lovers Day in the United States to the Mars Rover Curiosity Launch, this day offers interesting fun facts that showcase the world's cultural, historical, and scientific achievements.
38 Fun facts
  1. August 9th is National Book Lovers Day in the United States. It's a day dedicated to celebrating the love of reading, sharing favorite books with others, and revelling in the joy that great literature can bring.
  2. International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed annually on August 9th. The United Nations established this day to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population, celebrating their cultures, traditions, and contributions to communities.
  3. The Wizard of Oz premiered on August 9, 1939, in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. The iconic film, starring Judy Garland, is widely regarded as a classic piece of cinema, renowned for its groundbreaking special effects and memorable music.
  4. On August 9, 1974, Richard Nixon resigned as the 37th President of the United States, following the Watergate scandal. Nixon's resignation marked the first and only time a sitting U.S. president has resigned from office.
  5. Singapore gained independence from Malaysia on August 9, 1965. National Day is celebrated annually on this date, with various activities and events to commemorate the occasion.
  6. The famous painting "The Scream" by Edvard Munch was recovered on August 9, 2004, two years after it had been stolen. The painting, which had first been stolen in 1994, was found undamaged and returned to the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway.
  7. Modern Olympic Games founder Pierre de Coubertin was born on August 9, 1863. His vision was to encourage international understanding and promote physical education through athletic competition, eventually leading to the formation of the International Olympic Committee in 1894.
  8. On August 9, 1945, the Second Atomic Bomb "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, during World War II. This event is notable for marking the end of the war and advancing the development of nuclear technology.
  9. Michael Peterson, otherwise known as surfing champion Irons, was also born on August 9, 1952. An Australian national icon, Peterson was known for his surfing prowess in the 1970s and for his remarkable style on the waves.
  10. The spacecraft Voyager 2 is launched on August 9, 1977, into space. Its mission was to study the outer planets of the Solar System and beyond, taking stunning photographs and providing insight into previously unknown features of many celestial bodies.
  11. On August 9, 1854, New York Times co-founders Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones published the first edition of the New York Daily Times, which would later become the New York Times.
  12. On August 9, 1930, Betty Boop, an animated cartoon character created by Max Fleischer, made her first appearance in "Dizzy Dishes". Betty Boop quickly became a cultural and film icon, known for her unique voice and style.
  13. On August 9, 1978, the Garfield comic by Jim Davis first appeared in newspapers around the world. Garfield quickly became a beloved character for many, leading to a successful comic strip, television show, merchandise, and other media ventures.
  14. On August 9, 1942, the Quit India Movement began. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement aimed at ending British colonial rule in India through nonviolent means, ultimately contributing to Indian independence.
  15. August 9, 1963, marked the birth of actress Whitney Houston in Newark, New Jersey. Houston went on to become a Grammy-winning singer, dancer, and actress, as well as one of the best-selling artists of all time.
  16. The first ascent of Wind River Peak, the highest mountain in Wyoming, was completed on August 9, 1872, by an expedition led by Thomas Moran's exploration party.
  17. Elvis Presley played at the International Hotel in Las Vegas on August 9, 1969. This marked his first live performance in over eight years and reignited his concert career over the next decade.
  18. On August 9, 1967, Joe Orton, an English playwright, and author, were tragically murdered by his partner Kenneth Halliwell. Orton's plays are still performed and celebrated today, including "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" and "Loot".
  19. On August 9, 1892, the first-ever baseball game was played at night, using artificial lighting. The teams, from two mining engineering programs, faced off at a small stadium in Wyoming.
  20. On August 9, 1902, composer Isidore Edouard Legouix was born in Paris. Legouix went on to create beautiful modernist works, greatly influencing the world of classical music.
  21. On August 9, 1944, Smokey Bear was introduced as the U.S. Forest Service's mascot. The character, named after a real-life bear rescued from a fire, became synonymous with fire safety and prevention.
  22. On August 9, 1969, the Tate-LaBianca murders were committed by members of the Manson Family. These gruesome homicides marked a terrifying end to the "peace and love" era of the 1960s.
  23. August 9, 2012, was the launch date for the Mars Rover Curiosity. This rover has provided vital information about the Red Planet, including the discovery of ancient lake beds and possible signs of life throughout the years.
  24. South African anti-apartheid activist Strini Moodley was born on August 9, 1950. Moodley co-founded the Black Consciousness Movement, which played an integral role in mobilizing opposition against apartheid policies.
  25. August 9, 1995, marked the death of musician, singer, and songwriter Jerry Garcia, best known for his work with the Grateful Dead. Garcia left a significant impact on the world of rock and folk music.
  26. Giusy Versace, a paralympic athlete and fashion designer who has collaborated with prominent fashion brands, was born on August 9, 1987. Versace operates a nonprofit organization that helps support people with disabilities in various aspects of society.
  27. Weatherman turned best-selling author, Bill Giles OBE, was born on August 9, 1939. He is known for advocating for climate change action and is one of the UK's most respected meteorologists.
  28. August 9, 1908, marked the first successful diesel engine tests of German inventor Rudolf Diesel. These breakthroughs eventually led to Diesel's patented engines that today power countless vehicles worldwide.
  29. PepsiCo, the food and beverage giant responsible for products such as Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade, was formed on August 9, 1967. The merger between Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay Inc. led to the creation of one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world.
  30. On August 9, 1976, the first recorded ground-to-air biathlon took place in Finland, showcasing the incredible physical and mental demands of this hybrid event.
  31. Pop star Sam Martin, known for his unique sound and songwriting, was born on August 9, 1983. His collaborations with artists like David Guetta, Maroon 5, and G-Eazy have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
  32. Scottish actor Gillian Anderson, best known for her roles in TV shows like "The X-Files" and "The Crown," was born on August 9, 1968.
  33. The 1936 Summer Olympics concluded on August 9 in Berlin, Germany. The games were controversial due to the political climate under Adolf Hitler's rule but showcased athletes like Jesse Owens, who defied the regime by winning four gold medals.
  34. Australian actress Anna McGahan was born on August 9, 1988. She is best known for her roles in Australian TV series' such as "House Husbands," "Underbelly," and "The Doctor Blake Mysteries."
  35. Professional baseball player Deion Sanders was born on August 9, 1967. Sanders, nicknamed "Prime Time," is one of the few individuals who successfully played both Major League Baseball and the National Football League.
  36. August 9, 1973, marked the opening of the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium that would go on to host numerous sports events and concerts over its history.
  37. On August 9, 1995, hip hop artist and actor O'Shea Jackson, also known as Ice Cube, released his fourth studio album, "Lethal Injection." The album received positive reviews and is regarded as one of the classics of West Coast hip hop.
  38. On August 9, 2007, BNP Paribas, a leading French bank, froze three investment funds due to the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. subprime mortgage market. This move is often cited as the beginning of the global financial crisis that unfolded in subsequent months.

Browse all the fun facts per month