🗓️ On This Day - January 24th
January 24th is likely to be a special day indeed for millions of you - but why else should we be marking the occasion worldwide? It’s a notable day for Apple fans, and if you’re a big fan of laughing till you cry - you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a look at some fun facts about January 24th, as well as some notable events you’ll want to keep in mind.
On this day
There’s gold in them hills!
January 24th is a golden day indeed - as back in 1848, it was the launching point for the legendary California Gold Rush. A pilgrimage of more than 300,000 people stormed their way to Coloma, CA, after James Marshall struck some of the shiny stuff down at Sutter’s Mill.
Dib, dib, dib!
Forever changing the pastimes of young boys for the decades to come, Robert Baden-Powell formed the Boy Scouts movement on January 24th, 1908. To this day, there are scout troops up and down the UK.
The UK lost a premier statesman.
Widely regarded as one of the most iconic Britons of all time, Sir Winston Churchill passed away on January 24th, 1965. The former UK Prime Minister had helmed the country during the Second World War, and arguably helped to push the Allies to victory over the Axis powers.
Apple changed the world forever.
While it took some time for Apple to transform into the digital behemoth we know and love today, they took a big step forward on January 24th, 1984 - with the launch of their Apple Macintosh 128k. While a fairly pricey, clunky machine at the time, they’ve since streamlined over the years - in fact, this list is being typed up on a Mac, so thanks, Apple!
Japan blasted off to the Moon.
In fact, it wasn’t people who headed there on this particular Moon mission - as Japanese space explorers sent their first-ever robotic probe to the lunar surface on January 24th, 1990. Named Hiten, the probe was the first of its kind to launch since the Soviet Union sent up Luna 24 some 14 years prior.
Special Days Falling on January 24th
Here are just a few other reasons to celebrate January 24th - whether or not you already have an occasion of your own lined up!
National Belly Laugh Day
January 24th is a great day to just have a laugh with your family and friends! National Belly Laugh Day is a celebration of all things humorous - try not to take things too seriously today if you can help it!
National Compliment Day
Compliments are always welcome, and if there’s someone in your life that deserves a pick-me-up, why not pay them a compliment or two to show how much they mean to you? While this is great practice all year round, there’s no better day than January 24th to say something kind.
National Peanut Butter Day
Smooth, crunchy, served with jelly - however you like it, today's a great day for spreading some peanut butter on bagels, bread rolls, and anything else you fancy taking a bite out of! Some people even enjoy peanut butter milkshakes - give it a go today if you're feeling adventurous!
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Nana nana nana nana… Batman! The Caped Crusader made his first leap from DC Comics to the small screen in his first TV shows, portrayed by the late, great Adam West - all the way back in January 1966. To this day, Bruce Wayne's original adventures are still widely enjoyed by millions all over the world.
Famous Birthdays on January 24th
If you were born on January 24th…
You’re an idealistic, forward-thinking Aquarius. You’re normally one for thinking deeply and for looking pragmatically at some of the biggest problems in life – which means plenty of people probably flock to you for advice and support! You’re an air sign, an attribute you share with Gemini and Libra.
Want to know more about your own special slice of the Western Zodiac? Take a look over at our facts about Aquarius and dive right in.
