On this day, October 6 - Know what happened today in history

History offers remarkable insights, and October 6 is no exception. From the success of human-powered adventures to discoveries beyond our solar system, this date has seen pivotal moments that continue to resonate. As we reflect on these occurrences, let’s take a look at what made October 6 noteworthy in history.

2007: First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the World

English adventurer Jason Lewis completed the first-ever human-powered circumnavigation of the globe, also known as "Expedition 360." Starting on July 12, 1994, from Greenwich, London, his journey spanned over 46,000 miles and took him an astonishing 4,833 days. Using bicycles, rollerblades, and a pedal-powered boat, Lewis demonstrated remarkable endurance and innovation, relying solely on human power throughout the expedition.

1995: First Exoplanet Orbiting a Sun-Like Star Discovered

A milestone in space exploration was marked when Swiss astronomers Didier Queloz and Michel Mayor discovered the first exoplanet orbiting a Sun-like star. Named 51 Pegasi B, or Bellerophon, the planet is similar to Jupiter and revolves around the star 51 Pegasi, which has a magnitude of 5.49. The exoplanet completes its orbit in just 4.23 Earth days, opening new doors for the study of worlds beyond our solar system.

1981: Assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat

Egypt’s third president, Anwar Sadat, was assassinated during a military parade commemorating the 8th anniversary of Operation Badr, a key military operation in the Yom Kippur War. The assassination, carried out by the terrorist group Takfir Wal-Hajira, is thought to have been motivated by Sadat’s peace initiatives, particularly following the 1978 Camp David Accords. His efforts towards peace in the Middle East earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, but also opposition from certain factions.

1976: Coup in Thailand

Thailand witnessed a military coup on this day in 1976, led by Admiral Sangad Chaloryu. The coup effectively ousted the civilian government of Prime Minister Seni Pramoj, marking another shift in the country’s turbulent political landscape.

1908: Bosnian Crisis

The Bosnian Crisis erupted when Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary declared the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These territories, nominally under Ottoman control, became a flashpoint in European diplomacy. The annexation heightened tensions in the Balkans and contributed to the eventual lead-up to World War I.

Births on This Day: October 6

• 1985: Mitchell Cole, Talented, English footballer


• 1955: Tony Dungy, Trailblazing, American football player and coach


• 1930: Hafez al-Assad, Influential, Syrian general and president


• 1846: George Westinghouse, Pioneering, American engineer and inventor


• 1769: Isaac Brock, Heroic, English army officer

Deaths on This Day: October 6

• 1992: Bill O'Reilly, Accomplished, Australian cricketer


• 1989: Bette Davis, Iconic, American actress


• 1981: Anwar Sadat, Visionary, Egyptian president and Nobel laureate


• 1892: Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Celebrated, English poet


• 1542: Thomas Wyatt, Eminent, English poet