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.
On this day
A curious almanac of what happened on October 15 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
Pope Gregory XIII introduces a reformed calendar to correct the drift in Easter's date, replacing the Julian system that had accumulated a ten-day error.
History
Edgar the Ætheling is proclaimed king by the Witan after Harold II's death but never crowned and yields power to William the Conqueror.
Henry of Flanders defeats Theodore I Laskaris at the Battle of the Rhyndacus, securing Latin control over northwestern Anatolia against the Byzantine successor state.
Austria defeats the Ottoman invaders, ending the siege and halting Turkish expansion in Europe.
Pope Gregory XIII introduces a reformed calendar to correct the drift in Easter's date, replacing the Julian system that had accumulated a ten-day error.
Qing forces capture Zhoushan Island, forcing Prince of Lu Zhu Yihai to flee to Kinmen.
The Battle of Raft Swamp ends with a Patriot victory, marking the final battle fought in North Carolina during the American Revolutionary War.
Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier ascends in a hot air balloon created by the Montgolfier brothers, marking the first human flight.
Napoleon is exiled to Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic.
A letter signed "Yours truly, Jack the Ripper" is delivered to a London public office, threatening more murders and taunting police investigators.
The airship America launches from New Jersey, aiming to be the first powered aircraft to cross the Atlantic.
Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale found the Black Panther Party to fight for African American rights through community engagement and activism.
New Zealand police arrest seventeen activists in the country's first anti-terrorism raids under post-9/11 legislation.
Born today
Chilean general and politician
José Miguel Carrera Verdugo, Chilean general and a founder of independent Chile who led the independence war during the Patria Vieja period, was born in 1785 (died 1821).
German composer, poet, and philosopher
1844 – 1900
American singer-songwriter and pianist
1906 – 1976
American historian and critic
1917 – 2007
French historian and philosopher
1926 – 1984
American actor and comedian
b. 1953 · 73
American football player
b. 1989 · 37
Music
🇬🇧 #1 on October 15, 1981
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
Also #1 on this day
Film & TV
Box-office #1
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
October 15, 1989
Wayne Gretzky surpasses Phil Esposito to become the NHL's all-time leading points scorer.
Read the storyOctober 15, 1951
Luis E. Miramontes synthesizes norethisterone, a key component in early oral contraceptives.
Read the storyToday is also
International
Europa Donna, The European Breast Cancer Coalition is an independent non-profit organisation whose members are affiliated groups from 47 countries throughout Europe
International
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) takes place in the United States of America and its territories on October 15, the last day of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and aims to increase awarene
International
Shwmae Sumae Day is a day marked each year in Wales to celebrate and promote the Welsh language
International
White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States, celebrated annually on October 15 since 1964
International
In India, World Students' Day is celebrated on 15 October, the birthday of the 11th President of India, A