What’s Happening Today?

World Lion Day. Lion Day aims to raise awareness of the majestic hunter, the ultimate feline, the king of the jungle. Despite being known as hunters, lions actually face many dangers, especially from poachers and poisoning. Uganda’s lion population reportedly fell by 33%, according to a 2019 lion census done by the Wildlife Conservation Society.

International Biodiesel Day. Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel derived from plants or animals and consisting of long-chain fatty acid esters. It is typically made by chemically reacting lipids such as animal fat (tallow), soybean oil, or some other vegetable oil with alcohol, producing a methyl, ethyl or propyl ester.

Unlike the vegetable and waste oils used to fuel converted diesel engines, biodiesel is a drop-in biofuel, meaning it is compatible with existing diesel engines and distribution infrastructure. 

What Happened Today?

1. In 1675, the foundation stone for the Royal Observatory, Greenwich was laid. The observatory is famous around the world because its location marks the point where the Prime Meridian passes through it. Commissioned by King Charles II of England, the Royal Observatory started operating in 1676 under the supervision of John Flamsteed, the first British Astronomer Royal. 

2. In 2001, rebels from the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA launched an attack on a train during the Angolan Civil War, killing about 250 people. The rebels derailed a train using an anti-tank mine and opened fire on the passengers.

3. In 2003, Yuri Malenchenko became the first person to get married while in Space. He was on the International Space Station when he married Ekaterina Dmitrieva, who was located in Texas at the time of the wedding. The wedding took place through a NASA satellite hookup.

Birthdays

1. 1960 – Antonio Banderas, Spanish Actor, film producer and director

2. 1983 – Martin Toroitich, Ugandan long-distance runner