18 May - Jackie Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier.

 

On May 18, 1953, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier. This remarkable achievement was a significant milestone in aviation history and highlighted Cochran's pioneering spirit and exceptional skill as an aviator.

Key Points about Jackie Cochran and Her Achievement:

1. Background:

   • Full Name: Jacqueline Cochran (born Bessie Lee Pittman)
   • Birth Date: May 11, 1906
   • Profession: Aviator, businesswoman, and one of the most prominent female pilots in aviation history.

2. Aviation Career:

   • Cochran was one of the most accomplished pilots of her time, setting numerous records for speed, altitude, and distance.
   • She was a key figure in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II, where she trained and led female pilots who flew non-combat missions to free up male pilots for combat roles.

3. Breaking the Sound Barrier:

   • Date: May 18, 1953
   • Aircraft: North American F-86 Sabre, a jet aircraft renowned for its performance during the Korean War.
   • Location: Cochran achieved this feat while flying at Rogers Dry Lake in California.
   • Speed: She exceeded the speed of sound (Mach 1), which is approximately 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level.

4. Significance:

   • Cochran's accomplishment made her the first woman to break the sound barrier, placing her among the ranks of aviation legends.
   • This achievement not only demonstrated her exceptional piloting skills but also paved the way for future generations of female aviators.
   • It underscored the capabilities of women in fields traditionally dominated by men, contributing to the broader movement for gender equality in the mid-20th century.

5. Legacy:

   • Cochran continued to break numerous aviation records throughout her career, becoming one of the most decorated pilots in history.
   • She received numerous awards and honors, including the Distinguished Service Medal, and was posthumously inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1971.
   • Her contributions to aviation and her role in advancing opportunities for women in the field are remembered as an enduring legacy.

Jackie Cochran's breaking of the sound barrier on May 18, 1953, remains a landmark achievement in aviation history, symbolizing the boundless possibilities of human endeavor and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in flight.

 

18 May - Shree Pundalik, the first Indian film, was released in 1912

 

Shree Pundalik, considered the first Indian film, was released on May 18, 1912. This silent film, directed by Dadasaheb Torne, is a significant milestone in Indian cinema history. However, its status as the first Indian film is often debated due to the technical aspects of its production and the circumstances surrounding its release.

Key Points about Shree Pundalik:

1. Historical Context: Shree Pundalik was produced during a time when the Indian subcontinent was under British colonial rule, and the Indian film industry was in its nascent stages.

2. Production Details:

   • Director: Dadasaheb Torne
   • Cinematography: Johnson
   • Format: Silent film
   • Length: Approximately 22 minutes

3. Content: The film is based on the story of a revered saint, Pundalik, from Maharashtra. It depicted the life and devotion of Saint Pundalik to Lord Vithoba, a deity worshipped primarily in the state of Maharashtra.

4. Controversy:

   • Technical Aspects: The film was shot by a British cameraman, Johnson, and the film reels were processed in London. This involvement of foreign personnel and technology raises questions about its status as a completely indigenous production.
   • Legal Recognition: Some film historians and the Government of India recognize Raja Harishchandra, released in 1913 by Dadasaheb Phalke, as the first fully indigenous Indian feature film due to its wholly Indian crew and processing within India.

5. Legacy: Despite the controversies, Shree Pundalik holds an important place in Indian cinema history as it marks the beginning of film production in India. It paved the way for future filmmakers and the eventual establishment of Bollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world.

Shree Pundalik’s release marks an important cultural event, symbolizing the early efforts and aspirations of Indian filmmakers to establish a unique cinematic identity.

 

18 May - Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day (Sri Lankan Tamils)

 

Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day is observed by Sri Lankan Tamils on May 18th each year. It commemorates the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, particularly focusing on the events that occurred in Mullivaikkal, a village in the northern part of Sri Lanka.

For many Tamil Sri Lankans, Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day serves as a solemn occasion to remember and honor the tens of thousands of civilians who lost their lives during the final stages of the civil war, particularly during the government's military offensive against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The conflict resulted in significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and immense suffering for the Tamil community.

On Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, ceremonies, vigils, and events are held by Tamil communities worldwide to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and to express solidarity with survivors and their families. It's also a time for reflection on the impact of the civil war, the quest for justice and accountability, and the ongoing efforts for reconciliation and peace in Sri Lanka.

 

18 May - Pope John Paul II death anniversary

 

Pope John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła on 18 May 1920, in Wadowice, Poland, was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his death on 02 April 2005. He was the second longest-serving pope in history and was widely influential during his papacy.

Elected as the 264th pope of the Catholic Church on October 16, 1978, Pope John Paul II was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, as well as the first pope from Poland. His papacy was characterized by his commitment to human rights, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope John Paul II traveled extensively, visiting over 129 countries during his tenure. He played a significant role in international affairs, advocating for peace and reconciliation, particularly during times of conflict and political upheaval.

Pope John Paul II was also known for his strong stance against communism, which contributed to the eventual collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe. His support for Solidarity, the Polish trade union movement, played a crucial role in Poland's transition to democracy.

In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Pope John Paul II was a prolific writer and theologian, publishing numerous encyclicals, apostolic exhortations, and books on a wide range of topics, including morality, spirituality, and the role of the Catholic Church in the modern world.

Pope John Paul II's charisma, personal warmth, and commitment to serving others endeared him to millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on April 27, 2014, and is remembered as one of the most beloved and influential figures in modern Catholic history.

 

18 May - Baltic Fleet Day (Russia)

 

Baltic Fleet Day is celebrated in Russia on May 18th each year. It commemorates the establishment of the Baltic Fleet, one of the major operational units of the Russian Navy.

The Baltic Fleet was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 during the Great Northern War. It played a significant role in Russia's naval history, particularly during conflicts with neighboring powers in the Baltic region. The fleet has been involved in various operations and battles throughout its history, including World War I, the Russian Civil War, and World War II.

On Baltic Fleet Day, ceremonies, parades, and events are held to honor the sailors, officers, and veterans of the Baltic Fleet. It's a day to celebrate the fleet's achievements, recognize its contributions to the defense of the nation, and promote patriotism among Russian citizens. Naval bases and ports associated with the Baltic Fleet often host public events, ship tours, and demonstrations to mark the occasion.

 

18 May - Revival, Unity, and Poetry of Magtymguly Day (Turkmenistan)

 

Magtymguly Pyragy Day, also known as Magtymguly Day, is a significant cultural and national holiday celebrated in Turkmenistan. It commemorates the life and contributions of Magtymguly Pyragy, one of Turkmenistan's most revered poets, philosophers, and thinkers.

Magtymguly Pyragy (1724–1807) was not only a poet but also a spiritual leader and a symbol of Turkmen national identity. His works, written in the Turkmen language, are deeply rooted in the traditions, history, and values of the Turkmen people. Magtymguly's poetry often addresses themes such as love, freedom, unity, and the beauty of nature.

Magtymguly Pyragy Day is observed on May 18th each year. On this day, various cultural events, poetry readings, music performances, and exhibitions are organized throughout Turkmenistan to honor his legacy and promote Turkmen culture and identity. It's a day for Turkmen people to reflect on Magtymguly's teachings, appreciate his literary contributions, and celebrate their cultural heritage.

The celebration of Magtymguly Pyragy Day underscores the importance of literature, poetry, and cultural identity in Turkmen society, emphasizing unity and pride in the nation's rich heritage.

 

18 May - Omar Khayyam Birth Anniversary

 

Omar Khayyam was a Persian mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, and poet who lived during the Islamic Golden Age. He was born on 18 May 1048, in Nishapur, Persia (present-day Iran), and died on 04 December 1131.

Khayyam made significant contributions to various fields of study. In mathematics, he is best known for his work in algebra and geometry. He made important advancements in algebra, including solutions to cubic equations, and contributed to the development of the Persian calendar.

In astronomy, Khayyam was involved in the reform of the Persian calendar and made observations and calculations related to celestial movements. He also wrote treatises on the subject of astronomy.

However, Khayyam is perhaps most famous in the West for his poetry, particularly for his Rubaiyat, a collection of quatrains (four-line poems) that explore themes of love, mortality, and the meaning of life. His poetry, known for its beauty, depth, and philosophical insight, has been translated into many languages and continues to be celebrated around the world.

Khayyam's legacy as a scholar and poet has had a lasting impact on both Persian and world culture, and he remains one of the most revered figures in Persian literature.

 

18 May - Mount St. Helens volcano erupts in Washington.

 

Mount St. Helens, located in the state of Washington, erupted on May 18, 1980. It was one of the most significant volcanic eruptions in the history of the United States. The eruption devastated the surrounding area, causing massive destruction and loss of life.

The eruption began with a massive landslide, which triggered a lateral blast of hot gas, steam, and rock fragments. This lateral blast traveled at high speeds, flattening trees and structures in its path. Following the lateral blast, a vertical eruption column rose high into the sky, spewing ash and volcanic debris over a wide area.

The eruption resulted in the loss of 57 lives, caused extensive damage to infrastructure, and drastically altered the landscape of the region. It also led to significant environmental and ecological changes in the area surrounding the volcano.

Since the 1980 eruption, Mount St. Helens has remained active, with periodic steam and ash eruptions. However, none have been as catastrophic as the 1980 event. The volcano continues to be closely monitored by scientists to better understand its behavior and mitigate potential risks to surrounding communities.

 

18 May - Victory Day Sri Lanka

 

Victory Day in Sri Lanka, also known as "Ranaviru Day" or "War Heroes' Day," is commemorated on May 18th each year. It marks the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2009, when the Sri Lankan government declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), ending decades of conflict.

The day is observed with ceremonies and events across the country to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation's integrity and unity. It's a day to remember the bravery and dedication of the armed forces, as well as to pay tribute to the civilians who were affected by the war.

18 May - Astronomy Day

 

Astronomy Day is an annual event celebrated to promote and share the wonders of astronomy with the public. It typically occurs on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, close to the first quarter moon. Astronomy Day provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage in stargazing, learn about celestial phenomena, and explore the mysteries of the universe.

Astronomy clubs, observatories, planetariums, science centers, and educational institutions around the world often organize special events and activities to mark Astronomy Day. These may include telescope viewing sessions, lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on demonstrations.

The goals of Astronomy Day include fostering public interest in astronomy, promoting science education, and encouraging participation in scientific inquiry and discovery. By providing access to telescopes and knowledgeable experts, Astronomy Day seeks to inspire curiosity about the cosmos and deepen people's appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the universe.

Whether it's observing the moon, planets, stars, or galaxies, Astronomy Day offers a chance for individuals and families to connect with the night sky and