National Aeronautics and Space Administration established
Criticized for allowing the Soviet Union to launch the first man-made satellite to orbit Earth (Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957), U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation this day in 1958 that created NASA. 1958.
Planetary scientists formally announced the discovery of what was believed to be the 10th planet; it was later designated a dwarf planet and given the name Eris. 2005.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. 1981.
The first part of J.R.R. Tolkien‘s fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings—which became a sociocultural phenomenon and was adapted into a series of blockbuster films in the early 2000s—was published. 1954.
Albania was formally recognized by the major European powers as an independent principality following the issuance of the Vlorë proclamation. 1913.
Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists, died in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, two days after shooting himself. 1890.
The Arc de Triomphe, one of the largest triumphal arches in the world, was officially inaugurated in Paris. 1836.
