On this day, September 29 - Know what happened today in history

On September 29, significant events shaped history, from the tragic sinking of the MS Estonia to the foundation of CERN. This day also marks pivotal moments in politics, science, and human rights.

1994 – MS Estonia Sinks, Over 800 Lives Lost

The passenger ferry, MS Estonia, tragically sank in the Baltic Sea. Over 800 people lost their lives, making it the worst maritime disaster of the 20th century during peacetime.

1991 – Haitian President Deposed in Coup

Haiti's President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown in a military coup. This occurred just eight months after his historic election victory.

1962 – Canada Launches Its First Satellite

Canada launched its first satellite, Alouette 1, in collaboration with NASA. The satellite was designed to study Earth’s ionosphere and was launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base.

1954 – CERN is Established

The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) was founded by 12 European governments. It became a global centre for scientific research, especially in particle physics.

1941 – Babi Yar Massacre Begins

The Babi Yar massacre, one of the darkest events of World War II, saw 33,000 Soviet Jews brutally murdered by the Nazis over two days in Kiev.

Notable Births on This Day, September 29

• 1961 – Julia Gillard, Australian, Prime Minister


• 1951 – Michelle Bachelet, Chilean, President


• 1936 – Silvio Berlusconi, Italian, Prime Minister


• 1901 – Enrico Fermi, Italian, Physicist


• 1511 – Michael Servetus, Spanish, Theologian

Notable Deaths on This Day, September 29

• 2009 – Pavel Popovich, Soviet, Astronaut


• 1997 – Roy Lichtenstein, American, Painter


• 1981 – Bill Shankly, Scottish, Footballer


• 1973 – W. H. Auden, English-American, Poet


• 1902 – Émile Zola, French, Author

The sinking of MS Estonia, Haiti’s coup, and the creation of CERN remind us of the fragility of human progress. They are historical moments, each leaving lasting legacies.