🗓️ On This Day - January 7th
There's already been a whole week of the new year, how time flies! From a solar system shattering discovery, to the first international radio distress signal, January 7th has left many marks throughout the course of history. You don't need to look far, we've found the most interesting facts about January 7th.
On this day
By the moons of Jupiter!
On January 7th in 1610, Italian astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei discovered Io, Europa, Callisto & Ganymede, the first four moons of Jupiter.
At first, he thought there were only three moons as he struggled to differentiate between Europa and Io initially. This was a momentous discovery as it helped disprove the previous theory that the universe revolved around the Earth!
Connecting continents!
On January 7th, 1927, the first transatlantic telephone service was established, linking New York to London. This was a major step forward in the history of communication and technology, as it allowed people to speak directly to each other across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.
The really leaning Tower of Pisa!
You’ve no doubt seen the funny photos of people pretending to push the lopsided tower upright. Well on January 7th, 1990, this popular tourist attraction needed some extra support! The Leaning Tower of Pisa leaned too far and was closed to the public while repairs were made to stabilize the building. It was reopened to the public in 2001.
Not Quite SOS.
In 1904, the Marconi Company established "CQD" as the first international radio distress signal. The "CQD" signal was used by ships in distress to call for help and was recognized by ships and coastal stations across the globe.
Hot-foot it through the air!
Hot air ballooning took to new heights in 1785, as Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a French inventor, took his own balloon over the English Channel - from Dover to Guines - in just two and a half hours, on January 21st. Beats taking the Eurostar…!
Special Days Falling on January 7th
There’s plenty to celebrate on January 7th - here are just a few of the things that people enjoy on the seventh day of the New Year!
National Bobblehead Day
Have you ever looked at a bobblehead and wondered if there was a day to celebrate their whimsy? Ok, that might not be something you’ve wondered - but the answer is yes! January 7th is officially National Bobblehead day. The day founded by the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum honors the fun figurines which were invented in Germany around 100 years ago.
Christmas Day (Julian/Orthodox)
If you’re an Orthodox Christian you will likely celebrate Christmas on January 7th. This celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar, which predates the commonly used Gregorian calendar.
National Pass Gas Day
No… really. There’s a national day for farting, and it’s January 7th. Everyone passes between 17 and 68 oz of gas every day… it’s nothing to be ashamed of! However, we sincerely apologize if you’re celebrating your birthday on the same day as national farting acceptance!
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In January 2018 the Sahara Desert was subject to a rare and shocking weather event, which saw the normally sandy expanse covered in a thin blanket of snow! This extremely unusual occurrence isn’t totally unique with previous snowstorms recorded in both 1979 and 2016. This exciting event was thanks to a weather system which drew cold air from the Atlas Mountains causing the sudden snowfall.
Famous Birthdays on January 7th
If you were born on January 7th…
If you were born on January 7th, you are a Capricorn. Typical Capricorn traits include being practical, responsible, and having an exceptional work ethic! You’re a cardinal sign and your lucky numbers are 4, 8, 13, and 22.
Like shiny red things? You’re in luck. Garnet, the shiniest red gemstone is the birthstone for those born in January! This energizing crystal brings stability and emotional well-being to those who use it.
Check out our fact file on Capricorn for more details!
