Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
July 8 Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on July 8 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
1
Holidays
1741
Religion 285 years ago
Reverend Jonathan Edwards preaches to his congregation in Enfield, Connecticut his most famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"; an influence for the First Great Awakening.
Reverend Jonathan Edwards delivers his influential sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to his congregation in Enfield, Connecticut, fueling the First Great Awakening.
History
What happened on July 8
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 1167War
The Byzantines defeat the Hungarian army decisively at Sirmium, forcing the Hungarians to sue for peace.
The Byzantine army defeats the Hungarian forces at Sirmium, leading the Hungarians to seek peace terms.
- 1283European history
Roger of Lauria, commanding the Aragonese fleet, defeats an Angevin fleet sent to put down a rebellion on Malta.
Roger of Lauria leads the Aragonese fleet to victory over the Angevins near Malta.
- 1497World history
Vasco da Gama sets sail on the first direct European voyage to India.
Vasco da Gama embarks on the first direct European voyage to India, marking a new era in maritime exploration and trade.
- 1579Religion
Our Lady of Kazan, a holy icon of the Russian Orthodox Church, is discovered underground in the city of Kazan, Tatarstan.
A holy icon known as Our Lady of Kazan is found buried in Kazan, becoming an important symbol for the Russian Orthodox Church.
- 1663Royalty
Charles II of England grants John Clarke a Royal charter to Rhode Island.
Charles II grants John Clarke a Royal charter for Rhode Island, establishing it as a colony with religious freedom.
- 1741Religion
Reverend Jonathan Edwards preaches to his congregation in Enfield, Connecticut his most famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God"; an influence for the First Great Awakening.
Reverend Jonathan Edwards delivers his influential sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" to his congregation in Enfield, Connecticut, fueling the First Great Awakening.
- 1775US history
The Olive Branch Petition is signed by the Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies of North America.
The Continental Congress signs the Olive Branch Petition, expressing loyalty to King George III and seeking redress of grievances.
- 1853US history
The Perry Expedition arrives in Edo Bay with a treaty requesting trade.
Commodore Matthew C. Perry leads American ships into Edo Bay, presenting a treaty aimed at opening Japan to U.S. trade.
- 1879US history
Sailing ship USS Jeannette departs San Francisco carrying an ill-fated expedition to the North Pole.
The USS Jeannette departs San Francisco with an expedition aimed at reaching the North Pole but destined for misfortune.
- 1948US history
The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into a program called the Women's Air Force (WAF).
The United States Air Force accepts its first female recruits into the Women's Air Force (WAF) program.
- 1994Science
Space Shuttle Columbia is launched on an international science mission.
The Space Shuttle Columbia lifts off on a mission to conduct scientific research with international cooperation.
- 2003Disaster
Sudan Airways Flight 139 crashes near Port Sudan Airport during an emergency landing attempt, killing 116 of the 117 people on board.
Sudan Airways Flight 139 crashes during an emergency landing attempt near Port Sudan Airport, killing 116 of the 117 people aboard.
Born today
Famous birthdays on July 8
7 this date All birthdays
Alfred Binet
French psychologist and graphologist
Alfred Binet, the French psychologist who invented the first practical intelligence test with Théodore Simon, was born today in 1857.
Born
1857
Died
1911
Artemisia Gentileschi
Italian painter
1593 – 1653
John D. Rockefeller
American businessman and philanthropist, founded the Standard Oil Company
1839 – 1937
Carlos Betances Ramírez
Puerto Rican general
1910 – 2001
Jyoti Basu
Indian politician, 6th Chief Minister of West Bengal
1914 – 2010
Billy Eckstine
American singer and trumpet player
1914 – 1993
Raffi
Egyptian-Canadian singer-songwriter
b. 1948 · 78
Music
The number one songs on July 8
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on July 8, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport July 8, 2014
The Brazil national football team suffers its joint-worst defeat, losing 7-1 to Germany in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, in a match dubbed the Mineiraço.
Brazil loses 7-1 to Germany in the World Cup semi-final, marking one of its worst defeats ever.
Read the story
🔬 Science July 8, 2011
Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched in the final mission of the U.S. Space Shuttle program.
Atlantis lifts off on the last flight of the U.S. Space Shuttle program.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
1 celebrated today
Air Force and Air Defense Forces Day (Ukraine)
International
An Armed Forces Day, alongside its branch-specific variants often referred to as Army or Soldier's Day, Navy or Sailor's Day, and Air Force or Aviator's Day, is a holiday dedicated to honoring the arm