1. Guy Fawkes Night
On November 5, 1605, a plot to blow up the English Parliament was thwarted when Guy Fawkes was caught in the cellars with 36 barrels of gunpowder. This significant event in British history led to an annual celebration known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, consisting of fireworks, bonfires, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes.
2. Presidential History
On November 5, 1872, Ulysses S. Grant was re-elected as the President of the United States. Interestingly, this was also the first U.S. presidential election in which women could vote, thanks to the efforts of Susan B. Anthony.
3. Taurids Meteor Shower
On November 5, observers can usually witness the South Taurids meteor shower, known for producing fewer meteors but incredibly bright fireballs. So, keep your eyes on the sky if you're a fan of natural light shows.
4. Pulitzer Prize Winner
Famed Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and short story writer, Willa Cather, was born on November 5, 1873. She is best known for her novels ‘O Pioneers!’ and ‘My Ántonia’.
5. Post-It Notes
November 5, 1980, marked the inception of Post-it Notes. Initially termed as the “Press 'n Peel” bookmark, this was created by 3M and has since become an essential office and household tool.
6. Sesame Street Day
November 5 is officially recognized as Sesame Street Day. To celebrate the groundbreaking children’s television show, New York City declared this day in 2009, commemorating the show's 40th anniversary.
7. Birth of Roy Rogers
Loved by the older generation as the "King of Cowboys," famous American singer and cowboy actor Roy Rogers was born on November 5, 1911. He is best known for his iconic role as a Western hero in movies and television.
8. International Stress Awareness Day
To highlight the prevalent stress-related issues worldwide, November 5 is observed as International Stress Awareness Day. It's a moment to spread knowledge about stress prevention and the promotion of physical and psychological well-being.
9. Microsoft Released Windows Phone 7
On November 5, 2010, Microsoft released Windows Phone 7 in Europe. The phone was intended to compete with Apple's iOS and Google's Android, making it significant in the history of smartphone technology.
10. Bank Transfer Day
November 5 marks the Bank Transfer Day in the United States. Originated in 2011, this day encourages people to transfer their funds from big commercial banks to not-for-profit credit unions.
11. Voyager Discovery of Volcanic Activity
On November 5, 1979, NASA's Voyager I spacecraft discovered volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon 'Io.' This was the first time such activity was detected in another celestial body within our solar system.
12. Breathalyzer Introduction
November 5 is a momentous day in law enforcement history; the first Breathalyzer was introduced on this date in 1937, helping police identify drunk drivers more effectively.
13. Nobel-winning Chemist's Birthday
The famed Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite and whose name was immortalized in the Nobel Prizes, was born on November 5, 1833.
14.Pluto and Charon Exchange
On November 5, 1988, Pluto moved closer to the Sun compared to Neptune for the first time in 227 years. This also meant that for a few years, its moon Charon was the farthest known celestial body in our solar system.
15. Be Humble Day
November 5 celebrates humility worldwide. Known as Be Humble Day, it encourages people to check their egos, acknowledge the contributions of others, and appreciate what they have.
16. Lydia Darragh's Birthday
Notably embedded in American Revolution history, Lydia Darragh, a spy for the colonies, was born on November 5, 1729. She relayed British military plans to colonial forces, playing a critical role in the war.
17. Beginning of NIL Soccer Competition
The National Indoor League (NIL) soccer competition was initiated on November 5, 1974, adding a new dimension to the world of professional indoor soccer.
18. Last Appearance of Halley's Comet
Renowned for its visibility to the naked eye, Halley's comet last appeared in the inner parts of the Solar System on November 5, 1982. It's expected to reappear in mid-2061.
19. Denmark Honors Resistance Fighters
November 5 represents a significant moment in Denmark's history. Each year, the country lights candles on this day to honor the memories of the Danish resistance fighters of WW II.
20. Proclamation of the Republic Day in Brazil
On November 5, 1889, Rui Barbosa, a Brazilian diplomat and statesman, proposed a bill for a new constitutional government structure that led to the Proclamation of the Republic 10 days later.