🗓️ On This Day - March 13th
Planetary discoveries abound, and the end of chilly ears. It’s no wonder March 13th is such a special day! Many happy returns if you’re celebrating today - but here are a few more reasons to mark March 13th. Let’s hope it doesn’t fall on a Friday!
On this day
Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
On March 13th 1781, British astronomer William Herschel made a mistake that actually worked out amazingly well! What he actually thought was a comet was actually the planet Uranus. This was significant as Uranus was the first planet to be discovered through a telescope!
Cold ears? No problem!
Chester Greenwood patented earmuffs on March 13th 1877 after inventing them at age 15. He created the earmuffs as a solution to cold ears while ice skating - and where would we be without them? This invention became a popular winter accessory - and you may well have a pair or two of your own!
Not quite a record…
On March 13th 1915, baseball catcher Wilbert Robinson attempted to catch a ball that was dropped from a plane from a height of 525 feet to claim a record. However, the aviator mistakenly forgot the baseball and instead dropped a grapefruit, which hit Robinson's face instead! His teammates - naturally - found it hilarious!
The ninth planet?
On this day in 1930, American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh announced the discovery of Pluto at Lowell Observatory. Pluto was the ninth planet in our known solar system at the time, but in 2006, it was swiftly reclassified as a "dwarf planet" - mainly due to its small size and orbit.
Back to Earth!
Apollo 9 successfully completed a 10-day mission orbiting the Earth returning on March 13th 1969. The mission was a crucial step in the lead-up to the Apollo 11 mission that would land humans on the Moon later that year. The crew returning safely home marked a significant achievement in the United States' space exploration program.
Special Days Falling on March 13th
Don’t have much to celebrate today? No problem - the following special days should keep you busy on March 13th!
National K9 Veterans Day
Thanks to Joseph White, a retired military working dog trainer, on March 13th we honor the K9 units that served the United States military since World War II. Dogs were trained for various military purposes, such as sentry, message carriers, and more. The idea of dogs serving in the military led to the formation of the US Army K9 Corps in 1942.
National Jewel Day
Today’s the day we celebrate the jewelers who create stunning pieces of jewelry using precious and semi-precious stones. This national event encourages us to appreciate the artistry that goes into making custom designs and one-of-a-kind pieces. Do you have a favorite piece that you like to show off? Now’s your chance!
National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day
Yes - this is actually a thing! On March 13th, we test the superstition that opening an umbrella indoors brings bad luck. There is no clear origin for the superstition. Still, Thomas Edward Knibb was curious enough to encourage people to document any bad luck that comes their way after opening an umbrella indoors. Thus, a new weird holiday was created. Brace yourself!
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This page was last modified on August 3, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
National Women's History Month is celebrated in March to recognize the contributions and achievements of women who fought for equality! It was established in 1987 to celebrate women's efforts to create a better world for all women and to honor the influential women who came before us. Women's rights have come a long way, from owning property to serving on juries, though there’s still a considerable way to go before we have true equality. During March, we also observe International Women's Day to celebrate the past and present achievements of women.
Famous Birthdays on March 13th
If you were born on March 13th…
Your zodiac sign is Pisces, which is associated with traits like sensitivity, empathy, and a strong moral sense that guides their decision-making in alignment with their values. Want to know more about the Pisces in your life? Click here to read all about this watery zodiac sign.
