TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 26

 

September 26

September 26 is a date marked by several significant events that have shaped the course of history in different domains. From historical breakthroughs in scientific discoveries to moments of celebration and remembrance, this day holds deep meaning for people around the world. In this article, we will explore some unforgettable moments that occurred on September 26.

On September 26, 2015, NASA scientists announced a groundbreaking discovery - evidence of flowing water on the surface of Mars. This finding had tremendous implications for the possibility of life beyond Earth. The presence of liquid water, a crucial ingredient for life as we know it, opened up numerous opportunities for further exploration and research into the Red Planet.

September 26 is also remembered as the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. This pivotal battle took place during the American Revolutionary War, where American forces faced British troops in their quest for independence. Though the British won the battle, it was a symbolic victory for the American revolutionaries as it showcased their bravery and determination. The sacrifices made by the patriots on this day are commemorated yearly, honoring their role in shaping the United States.

September 26, 1945, marked the establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) following the end of World War II. This event marked a critical turning point in European history as it laid the foundation for democracy in post-war Germany. The creation of a stable and democratic government led to Germany's reunification and played a significant role in shaping European politics and economy in the years that followed.

In 2014, September 26 became a momentous day for India's space exploration program. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully placed the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) into orbit around the red planet, making India the first Asian country to reach Mars. This achievement showcased India's technological capabilities and contributed to advancing our understanding of Mars.

Since 2019, September 26 has been recognized as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of access to information for sustainable development and equitable societies. It emphasizes the right to access information held by public bodies while promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity as keys to inclusive and effective knowledge societies.

September 26 stands as a testament to human achievement in various fields, from space exploration to the struggles for freedom and democracy. Throughout history, this date has witnessed remarkable events that have shaped the world we live in today. Whether it is the scientific breakthroughs or the commemoration of the sacrifices made in significant battles, September 26 holds an indelible place in history. It serves as a reminder of our past successes and a catalyst for further progress in the future.

Here are some more events on this day:

46 BC – Julius Caesar dedicates a temple to Venus Genetrix, fulfilling a vow he made at the Battle of Pharsalus.

715 – Ragenfrid defeats Theudoald at the Battle of Compiègne.

1087 – William II is crowned King of England, and reigns until 1100.

1212 – The Golden Bull of Sicily is issued to confirm the hereditary royal title in Bohemia for the Přemyslid dynasty.

1345 – Friso-Hollandic Wars: Frisians defeat Holland in the Battle of Warns.

1371 – Serbian–Turkish wars: Ottoman Turks fought against a Serbian army at the Battle of Maritsa.

1423 – Hundred Years' War: A French army defeats the English at the Battle of La Brossinière.

1493 – Pope Alexander VI issues the papal bull Dudum siquidem to the Spanish, extending the grant of new lands he made them in Inter caetera.

1580 – Francis Drake finishes his circumnavigation of the Earth in Plymouth, England.

1687 – Morean War: The Parthenon in Athens, used as a gunpowder depot by the Ottoman garrison, is partially destroyed after being bombarded during the Siege of the Acropolis by Venetian forces.

1688 – The city council of Amsterdam votes to support William of Orange's invasion of England, which became the Glorious Revolution.

1777 – American Revolution: British troops occupy Philadelphia.

1789 – George Washington appoints Thomas Jefferson the first United States Secretary of State.

1799 – War of the 2nd Coalition: French troops defeat Austro-Russian forces, leading to the collapse of Suvorov's campaign.

1810 – A new Act of Succession is adopted by the Riksdag of the Estates, and Jean Baptiste Bernadotte becomes heir to the Swedish throne.

1905 – Albert Einstein publishes the third of his Annus Mirabilis papers, introducing the special theory of relativity.

1907 – Four months after the 1907 Imperial Conference, New Zealand and Newfoundland are promoted from colonies to dominions within the British Empire.

1910 – Indian journalist Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai is arrested after publishing criticism of the government of Travancore and is exiled.

1914 – The United States Federal Trade Commission is established by the Federal Trade Commission Act.

1917 – World War I: The Battle of Polygon Wood begins.

1918 – World War I: The Meuse-Argonne Offensive began which would last until the total surrender of German forces.

1923 – The German government accepts the occupation of the Ruhr.

1933 – As gangster Machine Gun Kelly surrenders to the FBI, he shouts out, "Don't shoot, G-Men!", which becomes a nickname for FBI agents.

1934 – The ocean liner RMS Queen Mary is launched.

1936 – Spanish Civil War: Lluis Companys reshuffles the Generalitat de Catalunya, with the marxist POUM and anarcho-syndicalist CNT joining the government.

1942 – Holocaust: Senior SS official August Frank issues a memorandum detailing how Jews should be "evacuated".

1950 – Korean War: United Nations troops recapture Seoul from North Korean forces.

1953 – Rationing of sugar in the United Kingdom ends

1954 – The Japanese rail ferry Tōya Maru sinks during a typhoon in the Tsugaru Strait, Japan, killing 1,172.

1959 – Typhoon Vera, the strongest typhoon to hit Japan in recorded history, makes landfall, killing 4,580 people and leaving nearly 1.6 million others homeless.

1960 – In Chicago, the first televised debate takes place between presidential candidates Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

1969 – Abbey Road, the last recorded album by the Beatles, is released.

1973 – Concorde makes its first non-stop crossing of the Atlantic in record-breaking time.

1980 – At the Oktoberfest terror attack in Munich 13 people die and 211 are injured.

1981 – Nolan Ryan sets a Major League record by throwing his fifth no-hitter.

1983 – Soviet Air Force officer Stanislav Petrov identifies a report of an incoming nuclear missile as a computer error and not an American first strike.

1983 – Australia II wins the America's Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club's 132-year domination of the race.

1984 – The United Kingdom and China agree to a transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, to take place in 1997.

1997 – A Garuda Indonesia Airbus A300 crashes near Medan airport, killing 234.

1997 – An earthquake strikes the Italian regions of Umbria and the Marche, causing part of the Basilica of St. Francis at Assisi to collapse.

2000 – Anti-globalization protests in Prague (some 20,000 protesters) turn violent during the IMF and World Bank summits.

2000 – The MS Express Samina sinks off Paros in the Aegean Sea killing 80 passengers.

2002 – The overcrowded Senegalese ferry, MV Le Joola, capsizes off the coast of the Gambia killing more than 1,000.

2005 – The PBS Kids Channel is shut down and replaced by a joint network with Comcast called Sprout.

2008 – Swiss pilot and inventor Yves Rossy becomes first person to fly a jet engine-powered wing across the English Channel.

2009 – Typhoon Ketsana hits the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, causing 700 fatalities.

2010 – The Philippine Bar exam bombing occurred near the De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila injuring 47 people.

2014 – A mass kidnapping occurs in Iguala, Mexico.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 24

 

September 24

 

September 24 is a significant day that holds historical, cultural, and scientific importance. This date marks various events throughout history that have left a lasting impact on society. From political milestones to scientific breakthroughs, September 24 has witnessed several memorable moments that are worth reflecting upon.

One of the most significant events associated with September 24 is the signing of the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796. This treaty was signed between the United States and the ruler of Tripoli during the Barbary Wars. It marked the first formal agreement between the United States and a foreign power, recognizing the new nation as independent and establishing peaceful relations. The Treaty of Tripoli also stated that the United States was not founded upon any religious principles, solidifying the separation of church and state.

Another notable event that took place on September 24, 1896, was the unveiling of the infamous Wall Street statue, \Charging Bull.\ Created by Italian-American artist Arturo Di Modica, the bronze sculpture has become a symbol of financial prosperity and has attracted tourists and financial enthusiasts from around the world. The sculpture stands as an emblem of strength and resilience, reminding individuals of the indomitable spirit of Wall Street.

September 24 also holds significance in the world of science. In 1929, the Harvard College Observatory announced the discovery of the first known interstellar asteroid, named ʻOumuamua. This discovery revolutionized the field of astronomy, as it was the first object observed and confirmed to originate from outside our solar system. ʻOumuamua sparked numerous scientific inquiries and added to our understanding of the vastness and complexity of the universe.

September 24 also serves as a day to acknowledge and celebrate remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to society. Notably, on this day in 1896, F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century, was born. Fitzgerald's works, such as \The Great Gatsby\ and \Tender Is the Night,\ continue to captivate readers and offer insightful commentary on the Jazz Age and the American Dream.

In addition to these historical and cultural events, September 24 also marks the changing of seasons. In the northern hemisphere, it signifies the beginning of autumn, with vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow adorning the landscape. The transition from summer to fall brings cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and an overall sense of renewal and change.

On a more lighthearted note, September 24 is recognized as National Punctuation Day in the United States. It is a day dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the importance of proper punctuation in written communication. This quirky holiday reminds us of the impact that punctuation has on clarity, understanding, and effective expression.

In conclusion, September 24 stands as a day filled with historical, cultural, and scientific significance. From the signing of the Treaty of Tripoli to the unveiling of the Charging Bull sculpture, this date holds events that have shaped the course of politics, arts, and global relations. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder of the changing seasons and the need for proper punctuation in effective communication. This day deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated for all the remarkable moments that have occurred throughout history.

Here are some more events on this day:

787 – Second Council of Nicaea: The council assembles at the church of Hagia Sophia.

1568 – Spanish naval forces defeat an English fleet, under the command of John Hawkins, at the Battle of San Juan de Ulúa near Veracruz.

1645 – The Battle of Rowton Heath in England is a Parliamentarian victory over a Royalist army commanded in person by King Charles.

1674 – Second Tantrik Coronation of Shivaji.

1745 – Jacobite rising of 1745: Bonnie Prince Charles defeats a British government army in the Battle of Prestonpans.

1789 – The United States Congress passes the Judiciary Act, creating the office of the Attorney General and federal judiciary system and ordering the composition of the Supreme Court.

1830 – A revolutionary committee of notables forms the Provisional Government of Belgium.

1841 – The Sultanate of Brunei cedes Sarawak to James Brooke.

1846 – Mexican–American War: General Zachary Taylor captures Monterrey.

1852 – The first powered, passenger-carrying airship, the Giffard dirigible, travels 17 miles (27 km) from Paris to Trappes.

1853 – Admiral Despointes formally takes possession of New Caledonia in the name of France.

1869 – Black Friday (1869): Gold prices plummet after United States President Grant orders the Treasury to sell large quantities of gold after Jay Gould and James Fisk plot to control the market.

1877 – The Battle of Shiroyama is a decisive victory of the Imperial Japanese Army over the Satsuma Rebellion.

1890 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially renounces polygamy.

1906 – U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt proclaims Devils Tower in Wyoming as the nation's first National Monument.

1906 – Racial tensions exacerbated by rumors lead to the Atlanta Race Riot, further increasing racial segregation.

1911 – His Majesty's Airship No. 1, Britain's first rigid airship, is wrecked by strong winds before her maiden flight at Barrow-in-Furness.

1929 – Jimmy Doolittle performs the first flight without a window, proving that full instrument flying from take off to landing is possible.

1932 – Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar agree to the Poona Pact, which reserved seats in the Indian provincial legislatures for the "Depressed Classes" (Untouchables).

1935 – Earl and Weldon Bascom produce the first rodeo ever held outdoors under electric lights.

1946 – Cathay Pacific Airways is founded in Hong Kong.

1946 – The top-secret Clifford-Elsey Report on the Soviet Union is delivered to President Truman.

1948 – The Honda Motor Company is founded.

1950 – The eastern United States is covered by a thick haze from the Chinchaga fire in western Canada.

1957 – President Eisenhower sends the 101st Airborne Division to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce desegregation.

1959 – TAI Flight 307 crashes during takeoff from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, killing 55 people.

1960 – USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, is launched.

1972 – Japan Airlines Flight 472 lands at Juhu Aerodrome instead of Santacruz Airport in Bombay, India.

1973 – Guinea-Bissau declares its independence from Portugal.

1975 – Southwest Face expedition members become the first persons to reach the summit of Mount Everest by any of its faces, instead of using a ridge route.

1993 – The Cambodian monarchy is restored, with Norodom Sihanouk as king.

1996 – Representatives of 71 nations sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty at the United Nations.

2005 – Hurricane Rita makes landfall in the United States, devastating portions of southwestern Louisiana and extreme southeastern Texas.

2007 – Between 30,000 and 100,000 people take part in anti-government protests in Yangon, Burma, the largest in 20 years.

2008 – Thabo Mbeki resigns as president of South Africa.

2009 – The G20 summit begins in Pittsburgh with 30 global leaders in attendance.

2009 – SA Airlink Flight 8911 crashes near Durban International Airport in Durban, South Africa, killing the captain and injuring the rest of the crew.

2013 – A 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Pakistan, killing at least 327 people.

2014 – The Mars Orbiter Mission makes India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the first nation in the world to do so in its first attempt.

2015 – At least 1,100 people are killed and another 934 wounded after a stampede during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 25

 

September 25

 September 25 is an important day in history as it marks several significant events that have shaped the world we live in today. From political milestones to cultural celebrations, this date holds great significance for various reasons. In this article, we will explore some of the events that occurred on September 25 throughout history.

One of the most notable events that took place on September 25 is the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905. This treaty ended the Russo-Japanese War, which had been ongoing since 1904. The treaty was mediated by United States President Theodore Roosevelt, and it brought an end to the conflict between Russia and Japan. This event was crucial as it established America as a global peace mediator and played a significant role in shaping international relations.

On a cultural note, September 25 is also celebrated as National One-Hit Wonder Day. This day is dedicated to honoring musicians and artists who have achieved significant success with only one popular song. It is a reminder of the impact that a single hit can have on an artist's career and the lasting impression it can leave on the music industry.

In the field of science, September 25 stands out for the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. On this day in 1846, astronomer Johann Galle first identified Pluto, which was considered the ninth planet in our solar system until its reclassification as a dwarf planet in 2006. This discovery opened up new avenues for exploration and expanded our understanding of the vast universe we inhabit.

September 25 is also significant in the realm of sports, particularly for those who follow American football. It marks the birthdate of legendary NFL quarterback Joe Montana. Montana is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game and has won four Super Bowl championships with the San Francisco 49ers. His impact on the sport and his contributions to the game have cemented his legacy in football history.

Moreover, September 25 was an important day in the fight against apartheid in South Africa. In 1989, a nationwide anti-apartheid protest named the "Cost-of-Living- Protest" took place on this day. Thousands of South Africans participated in this demonstration, demanding an end to racial segregation and economic inequality. This event highlighted the determination of the South African people to bring about change and played a significant role in the eventual dismantling of apartheid.

In conclusion, September 25 holds much historical and cultural significance. From the signing of the Treaty of Portsmouth to the celebration of National One-Hit Wonder Day, this date showcases a variety of impactful events. Whether it is in the realms of politics, culture, science, or sports, September 25 has left an indelible mark on the world. It serves as a reminder of the progress we have made as a global society and the importance of continuing to strive for positive change.

Here are some more events of this day:

275 – For the last time, the Roman Senate chooses an emperor; they elect 75-year-old Marcus Claudius Tacitus.

762 – Led by Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya, the Hasanid branch of the Alids begins the Alid Revolt against the Abbasid Caliphate.

1066 – In the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harald Hardrada, the invading King of Norway, is defeated by King Harold II of England.

1237 – England and Scotland sign the Treaty of York, establishing the location of their common border.

1396 – Ottoman Emperor Bayezid I defeats a Christian army at the Battle of Nicopolis.

1513 – Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa reaches what would become known as the Pacific Ocean.

1555 – The Peace of Augsburg is signed by Emperor Charles V and the princes of the Schmalkaldic League.

1690 – Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick, the first newspaper to appear in the Americas, is published for the first and only time.

1768 – Unification of Nepal

1775 – American Revolution: Ethan Allen surrenders to British forces after attempting to capture Montreal during the Battle of Longue-Pointe.

1775 – American Revolution: Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec sets off.

1789 – The United States Congress passes twelve constitutional amendments: the ten known as the Bill of Rights, the (unratified) Congressional Apportionment Amendment, and the Congressional Compensation Amendment.

1790 – Four Great Anhui Troupes introduce Anhui opera to Beijing in honor of the Qianlong Emperor's eightieth birthday.

1804 – The Teton Sioux (a subdivision of the Lakota) demand one of the boats from the Lewis and Clark Expedition as a toll for allowing the expedition to move further upriver.

1868 – The Imperial Russian steam frigate Alexander Nevsky is shipwrecked off Jutland while carrying Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia.

1890 – The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.

1906 – Leonardo Torres y Quevedo demonstrates the Telekino, guiding a boat from the shore, in what is considered to be the first use of a remote control.

1911 – An explosion of badly degraded propellant charges on board the French battleship Liberté detonates the forward ammunition magazines and destroys the ship.

1912 – Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism is founded in New York City.

1915 – World War I: The Second Battle of Champagne begins.

1918 – World War I: The end of the Battle of Megiddo, the climax of the British Army's Sinai and Palestine campaign under General Edmund Allenby.

1926 – The international Convention to Suppress the Slave Trade and Slavery is first signed.

1937 – Second Sino-Japanese War: The Chinese Eighth Route Army gains a minor, but morale-boosting victory in the Battle of Pingxingguan.

1944 – World War II: Surviving elements of the British 1st Airborne Division withdraw from Arnhem via Oosterbeek.

1955 – The Royal Jordanian Air Force is founded.

1956 – TAT-1, the first submarine transatlantic telephone cable system, is inaugurated.

1957 – Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, is integrated by the use of United States Army troops.

1959 – Solomon Bandaranaike, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, is mortally wounded by a Buddhist monk, Talduwe Somarama, and dies the next day.

1962 – The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria is formally proclaimed. Ferhat Abbas is elected President of the provisional government.

1962 – The North Yemen Civil War begins when Abdullah al-Sallal dethrones the newly crowned Imam al-Badr and declares Yemen a republic under his presidency.

1963 – Lord Denning releases the UK government's official report on the Profumo affair.

1964 – The Mozambican War of Independence against Portugal begins.

1969 – The charter establishing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is signed.

1974 – Dr. Frank Jobe performs first ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery (better known as Tommy John surgery) on baseball player Tommy John.

1977 – About 4,200 people take part in the first running of the Chicago Marathon.

1978 – PSA Flight 182, a Boeing 727, collides in mid-air with a Cessna 172 and crashes in San Diego, killing all 135 aboard Flight 182, both occupants of the Cessna, as well as seven people on the ground. 

1981 – Belize joins the United Nations.

1983 – Thirty-eight IRA prisoners, armed with six handguns, hijack a prison meals lorry and smash their way out of the Maze Prison.

1987 – Fijian Governor-General Penaia Ganilau is overthrown in a coup d'état led by Lieutenant colonel Sitiveni Rabuka.

1992 – NASA launches the Mars Observer. Eleven months later, the probe would fail while preparing for orbital insertion.

1998 – PauknAir Flight 4101, a British Aerospace 146, crashes near Melilla Airport in Melilla, Spain, killing 38 people.

2003 – The 8.3 M_w  Hokkaidō earthquake strikes just offshore Hokkaidō, Japan.

2018 – Bill Cosby is sentenced to three to ten years in prison for aggravated sexual assault.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 22

 

September 22

 

September 22nd is a significant date that marks the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere. It is a day when the weather starts to cool down, leaves change their colors, and nature undergoes a beautiful transformation. This day holds cultural, historical, and astronomical significance, making it a memorable and noteworthy date.

From a cultural perspective, September 22nd is celebrated as the autumnal equinox, a time when day and night are of approximately equal length. It is a day that symbolizes balance and harmony, as the sun crosses the celestial equator and begins its journey towards the southern hemisphere. Many cultures around the world celebrate this event with various traditions and festivals. For instance, in Japan, the autumnal equinox is known as Shūbun no Hi, and it is a national holiday dedicated to honoring ancestors and visiting graves. In China, this day is celebrated as Mid-Autumn Festival, where families gather to enjoy mooncakes and admire the full moon. These cultural festivities bring people together, reminding us of the importance of cherishing our history and traditions.

Historically, September 22nd has witnessed numerous significant events that have shaped the course of history. On this day in 1862, during the American Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln, declaring all slaves in Confederate territory to be free. This monumental act was a turning point in the fight against slavery and served as a moral compass for future generations fighting for equality and justice.

In the field of science, September 22nd is auspicious due to its astronomical alignment. It marks the beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere, and it is also the point at which the sun is directly above the equator. This phenomenon is known as the equinox, a celestial event that occurs twice a year and holds immense significance for astronomers and scientists studying Earth's position in the solar system. On this day, the transition from summer to fall introduces us to cooler temperatures, shorter days, and longer nights, creating a unique ambiance that ignites our senses and reconnects us with nature's ever-changing rhythm.

Furthermore, September 22nd holds personal significance for many individuals as it coincides with birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones. Each year, countless individuals celebrate their special day on this date, making it a memorable occasion filled with joy, excitement, and reflection. It serves as a reminder of our journey throughout the year, our experiences, and the growth we have achieved.

In conclusion, September 22nd is a date that carries profound meaning and significance. It marks the beginning of autumn, invites us to celebrate cultural traditions, commemorates historical events, and ignites our curiosity about the universe. Whether through festivities, acts of remembrance, or personal milestones, this date is a reminder of the constant change and evolution that surrounds us. As we embrace the arrival of autumn on September 22nd, we are reminded of the beauty in transition, the importance of cultural heritage, and the immense power of a single day.

Here are some more events on this day:

904 – The warlord Zhu Quanzhong kills Emperor Zhaozong, the penultimate emperor of the Tang dynasty, after seizing control of the imperial government.

1236 – The Samogitians defeat the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in the Battle of Saule.

1499 – The Treaty of Basel concludes the Swabian War.

1586 – The Battle of Zutphen is a Spanish victory over the English and Dutch.

1692 – The last hanging of those convicted of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials; others are all eventually released.

1711 – The first attacks of the Tuscarora War begin in present-day North Carolina.

1761 – George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz are crowned King and Queen, respectively, of the Kingdom of Great Britain.

1776 – Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during the American Revolution.

1789 – The office of United States Postmaster General is established.

1789 – Battle of Rymnik: Alexander Suvorov's Russian and allied army defeats superior Ottoman Empire forces.

1792 – Primidi Vendémiaire of year one of the French Republican Calendar as the French First Republic comes into being.

1823 – Joseph Smith claims to have found the golden plates after being directed by God through the Angel Moroni to the place where they were buried.

1857 – The Russian warship Lefort capsizes and sinks during a storm in the Gulf of Finland, killing all 826 aboard.

1862 – A preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation is released by Abraham Lincoln.

1866 – The Battle of Curupayty is Paraguay's only significant victory in the Paraguayan War.

1885 – Lord Randolph Churchill makes a speech in Ulster in opposition to the Irish Home Rule movement.

1891 – The first hydropower plant of Finland was commissioned along the Tammerkoski rapids in Tampere, Pirkanmaa.

1892 – A locomotive shunting falls into a hole in the ground, leading to the burial of the locomotive.

1896 – Queen Victoria surpasses her grandfather King George III as the longest reigning monarch in British history.

1910 – The Duke of York's Picture House opens in Brighton, now the oldest continually operating cinema in Britain.

1914 – A German submarine sinks three British cruisers over a seventy-minute period, killing almost 1500 sailors.

1919 – The steel strike of 1919, led by the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, begins in Pennsylvania before spreading across the United States.

1934 – The Gresford disaster in Wales kills 266 miners and rescuers.

1939 – World War II: A joint German–Soviet military parade in Brest-Litovsk is held to celebrate the successful invasion of Poland.

1941 – The Holocaust in Ukraine: On the Jewish New Year Day, the German SS murders 6,000 Jews in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Those are the survivors of the previous killings that took place a few days earlier in which about 24,000 Jews were executed.

1948 – Gail Halvorsen officially starts parachuting candy to children as part of the Berlin Airlift.

1948 – Israeli-Palestine conflict: The All-Palestine Government is established by the Arab League.

1957 – In Haiti, François Duvalier is elected president.

1960 – The Sudanese Republic is renamed Mali after the withdrawal of Senegal from the Mali Federation.

1965 – The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ends after the United Nations calls for a ceasefire.

1966 – Twenty-four people are killed when Ansett-ANA Flight 149 crashes in Winton, Queensland, Australia.

1975 – Sara Jane Moore tries to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford, but is foiled by the Secret Service.

1979 – A bright flash, resembling the detonation of a nuclear weapon, is observed near the Prince Edward Islands. Its cause is never determined.

1980 – Iraq invades Iran, sparking the nearly eight year Iran–Iraq War.

1991 – The Dead Sea Scrolls are made available to the public for the first time.

1993 – A barge strikes a railroad bridge near Mobile, Alabama, causing the deadliest train wreck in Amtrak history. Forty-seven passengers are killed.

1993 – A Transair Georgian Airlines Tu-154 is shot down by a missile in Sukhumi, Georgia.

1995 – An E-3B AWACS crashes outside Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska after multiple bird strikes to two of the four engines soon after takeoff; all 24 on board are killed.

1995 – The Nagerkovil school bombing is carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force in which at least 34 die, most of them ethnic Tamil schoolchildren.

2006 – Twenty-three people were killed in a maglev train collision in Lathen, Germany.

2013 – At least 75 people are killed in a suicide bombing at a Christian church in Peshawar, Pakistan.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 23

 

September 23

 

September 23, commonly known as the autumnal equinox, is a significant date on the calendar as it marks the official beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere. This day holds a special place as it represents the transition from the lively, warm days of summer to the crisp, colorful season of fall.

In terms of astronomical significance, the autumnal equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in an equal length of day and night. It is a time when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is such that the Sun is directly above the equator, creating a balanced distribution of sunlight across the globe. This equilibrium between day and night epitomizes the concept of equinox, derived from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night).

September 23 presents an opportunity to reflect upon the changing beauty of the natural world. As autumn arrives, the landscape undergoes a magical transformation. The once lush green trees begin to display a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and gold, painting a picturesque scenery. The air becomes crisper, and there is a sensation of change and new beginnings in the atmosphere.

For many, September 23 is not only about the change in seasons but also a time to celebrate various cultural and religious observances. In some cultures, this day marks the beginning of harvest festivals, where people come together to celebrate the bounties of the earth. It is a time to express gratitude for the abundance of food and to share the harvest with loved ones.

In addition to harvest festivals, September 23 is significant in the realm of astrology. Those born under the zodiac sign Libra celebrate their birthdays during this time. Libra, symbolized by the scales, represents harmony, balance, and fairness. People born under this sign are often known for their diplomacy, a quality closely associated with the equinox itself.

Moreover, September 23 holds religious importance for different faiths. In Christianity, this day often falls close to the feast day of Saint Michael and All Angels. It is a time to reflect upon the role of angels in one’s spiritual journey and seek their guidance and protection. Similarly, in Judaism, this time marks Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which is a time of introspection, repentance, and renewal.

Beyond these specific observations, September 23 is a time to embrace the essence of the changing seasons. It is an occasion to appreciate the beauty of nature’s cycles, to reflect on balance and harmony, and to embark on new beginnings. It invites us to take a step back and marvel at the wonders of our world, the infinite variations of colors, and the ever-present sense of renewal that each year brings.

From the cosmological significance to the cultural celebrations and personal reflections, September 23 is a day that encompasses the essence of growth, change, and balance. As the autumnal equinox ushers in the season of falling leaves and cooler temperatures, it serves as a gentle reminder to embrace life’s transformations, to find balance amidst chaos, and to appreciate the beauty that lies within every shift, whether it be in nature or within ourselves.

Here are some more events on this day:

38 – Drusilla, Caligula's sister who died in June, with whom the emperor is said to have an incestuous relationship, is deified.

1122 – Pope Callixtus II and Holy Roman Emperor Henry V agree to the Concordat of Worms to put an end to the Investiture Controversy.

1338 – The Battle of Arnemuiden, in which a French force defeats the English, is the first naval battle of the Hundred Years' War and the first naval battle in which gunpowder artillery is used.

1409 – The Battle of Kherlen is the second significant victory over Ming dynasty China by the Mongols since 1368.

1459 – The Battle of Blore Heath, the first major battle of the English Wars of the Roses, is won by the Yorkists.

1561 – King Philip II of Spain issues cedula, ordering a halt to colonizing efforts in Florida.

1779 – American Revolution: John Paul Jones, naval commander of the United States, on board the USS Bonhomme Richard, wins the Battle of Flamborough Head.

1803 – Second Anglo-Maratha War: The Battle of Assaye is fought between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India.

1821 – Tripolitsa, Greece, is captured by Greek rebels during the Greek War of Independence.

1846 – Astronomers Urbain Le Verrier, John Couch Adams and Johann Gottfried Galle collaborate on the discovery of Neptune.

1868 – The Grito de Lares occurs in Puerto Rico against Spanish rule.

1884 – On the night of 23-24 September, the steamship Arctique runs aground near Cape Virgenes leading to the discovery of nearby placer gold, beginning the Tierra del Fuego gold rush.

1899 – The American Asiatic Squadron destroys a Filipino battery at the Battle of Olongapo.

1905 – Norway and Sweden sign the Karlstad Treaty, peacefully dissolving the Union between the two countries.

1942 – World War II: The Matanikau action on Guadalcanal begins: U.S. Marines attack Japanese units along the Matanikau River.

1950 – Korean War: The Battle of Hill 282 is the first US friendly-fire incident on British military personnel since World War II.

1973 – Argentine general election: Juan Perón returns to power in Argentina.

1983 – Gulf Air Flight 771 is destroyed by a bomb, killing all 117 people on board.

2004 – Over 3,000 people die in Haiti after Hurricane Jeanne produces massive flooding and mudslides.

2008 – Matti Saari kills ten people at a school in Finland before committing suicide.