May 20: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
May 20 marks the day history changed its course, from the dawn of solo transatlantic flight to the monumental discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation.
Quick Facts for May 20
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 140
About May 20
On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh roared into history, launching his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in the Spirit of St. Louis. His journey from New York to Paris redefined the possibilities of human flight. Not long after, in 1932, Amelia Earhart echoed this bravery, embarking on her own historic solo crossing of the Atlantic as the first female pilot to achieve the feat.
Beyond the skies, May 20 has been a cornerstone for scientific advancement. In 1964, researchers Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias stumbled upon the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing crucial evidence for the Big Bang. Decades later, in 1983, the medical community received a life-altering breakthrough when French scientists published the discovery of the HIV virus, fundamentally changing our understanding of global health.
Holidays & Observances on May 20
- Day of Remembrance (Cambodia)
- Emancipation Day (Florida)
- European Maritime Day (European Council)
- Independence Restoration Day, celebrates the independence of East Timor from Indonesia in 2002.
- Josephine Baker Day (NAACP)
- National Awakening Day (Indonesia), and its related observances: Indonesian Doctor Day (Indonesia)
- National Day (Cameroon)
- World Bee Day
Fun & National Days on May 20
- National Juice Slush Day — Grab a frozen, fruity treat to cool down and celebrate.
- National Rescue Dog Day — Celebrate your furry best friend by supporting animal shelters today.
- National Quiche Lorraine Day — Indulge in a savory, creamy slice of this classic French dish.
- Be a Millionaire Day — Dream big and visualize your future wealth and success today.
- Eliza Doolittle Day
- Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
- Flower Day
- International Clinical Trials Day
- International Red Sneakers Day
- National Psychometrist Day
On This Day in History
- 325 — The historic First Council of Nicaea officially convened, marking the start of the first ecumenical council for the Christian Church.
- 1570 — Abraham Ortelius released the Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which is widely considered to be the world's first modern atlas.
- 1609 — The sonnets of William Shakespeare were first released to the public in London via publisher Thomas Thorpe.
- 1862 — President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, making 84 million acres of public territory available to settlers.
- 1873 — Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis secured a United States patent for blue jeans reinforced with durable copper rivets.
- 1875 — Seventeen nations signed the Metre Convention, establishing the foundation for the modern International System of Units.
- 1902 — Cuba officially gained its independence from United States control, with Tomás Estrada Palma serving as the inaugural president.
- 1927 — Charles Lindbergh began his legendary nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, departing from Long Island, New York.
- 1932 — Amelia Earhart departed from Newfoundland to attempt the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic by a woman.
- 1964 — Scientists Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias discovered cosmic microwave background radiation, a massive leap for cosmology.
- 1983 — A team of French researchers published the groundbreaking discovery of the HIV virus in the journal Science.
- 2019 — The International System of Units was updated, redefining base units and making the physical prototype kilogram obsolete.
Famous Birthdays on May 20
- 1799 — Honoré de Balzac, A celebrated French playwright and novelist known for his literary mastery.
- 1806 — John Stuart Mill, An influential English philosopher and economist who shaped modern thought.
- 1851 — Emile Berliner, The German-American inventor responsible for creating the Gramophone record.
- 1908 — James Stewart, An iconic American actor who became a legend of the silver screen.
- 1913 — William Redington Hewlett, An American engineer who co-founded the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.
- 1921 — Cher, An American singer and actress with an enduring cultural legacy.