April 24: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1990, humanity's view of the cosmos changed forever with the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope from space.
Quick Facts for April 24
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 114
About April 24
April 24 serves as a profound moment for both scientific advancement and historical remembrance. While the world celebrates the technological marvel of the Hubble Space Telescope, it is also a day of somber reflection for many, marking the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. This dual nature of the day captures the complexities of human history—our capacity for immense creation and our struggles with profound tragedy.
Beyond these heavy themes, the date is woven with threads of adventure and courage. It marks the anniversary of Joshua Slocum's historic departure to become the first person to sail alone around the world, as well as the bravery of Ernest Shackleton, who launched a desperate lifeboat mission to save his crew from the frozen elements of the Southern Ocean.
Holidays & Observances on April 24
- Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day (Armenia, California, France)
- Concord Day (Niger)
- Democracy Day (Nepal)
- Fashion Revolution Day, and its related observances: Labour Safety Day (Bangladesh, proposed)
- National Panchayati Raj Day (India)
- Republic Day (The Gambia)
- World Day for Laboratory Animals
Fun & National Days on April 24
- National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day — Celebrate by enjoying these delicious little sausages wrapped in doughy goodness!
- National Hairball Awareness Day — Show some love to your feline friends by checking their comfort levels.
- New Kids on the Block Day — Turn up the pop music and celebrate this classic boy band today!
- Childcare Professionals Day
- National Arbor Day
- National Historic Marker Day
- World Meningitis Day
On This Day in History
- -1479 — Thutmose III began his reign in Egypt, even as power was largely held by Hatshepsut.
- -1183 — According to the scholar Eratosthenes, the legendary Trojan War reached its conclusion this year.
- 1558 — In the Notre-Dame de Paris, Mary, Queen of Scots, wed the French Dauphin, François.
- 1704 — The Boston News-Letter became the very first regular newspaper published within the British American colonies.
- 1800 — President John Adams authorized the creation of the Library of Congress with a $5,000 budget.
- 1885 — The legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley joined Buffalo Bill's Wild West troupe under Nate Salsbury.
- 1895 — Joshua Slocum departed from Boston on the sloop Spray to attempt the first solo global voyage.
- 1916 — Irish rebels led by James Connolly and Patrick Pearse initiated the Easter Rising in Dublin.
- 1916 — Ernest Shackleton and his men embarked on a perilous lifeboat journey to find rescuers.
- 1918 — History was made during the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux as British and German tanks engaged.
- 1955 — The Bandung Conference concluded, with non-aligned nations standing together against racism and colonialism.
- 1990 — The Space Shuttle Discovery successfully deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into Earth's orbit.
Famous Birthdays on April 24
- 1533 — William I of Orange, The foundational figure of the Netherlands was born on this day.
- 1815 — Anthony Trollope, This renowned English novelist and essayist shaped nineteenth-century literature.
- 1904 — Willem de Kooning, An influential Dutch-American painter known for his significant artistic contributions.
- 1934 — Shirley MacLaine, A celebrated American actress and singer with a legendary career.
- 1942 — Barbra Streisand, The iconic American singer and activist was born on this date.
- 1973 — Sachin Tendulkar, The legendary Indian cricketer, a true icon of the sport, was born.
- 1982 — Kelly Clarkson, This powerful American singer and television host rose to massive fame.