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 7 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
The United States launches air strikes and covert operations in Afghanistan, beginning what would become America's longest war.
History
The modern Hebrew calendar begins its epoch with this date as a reference point.
A Venetian fleet defeats a Genoese fleet led by a French admiral in the Battle of Modon.
Uppsala University is established after receiving papal recognition from Pope Sixtus IV.
Spanish forces defeat Venetian troops at the Battle of La Motta.
The Ottoman Navy faces its first defeat in a decisive battle against Christian forces at Lepanto.
The charter for the Province of Massachusetts Bay is granted, unifying several existing colonies under a single royal administration.
King George III issues the Royal Proclamation, closing Indigenous lands north and west of the Allegheny Mountains to white settlement in an attempt to stabilize relations with Native peoples.
The Americans defeat British forces led by General John Burgoyne in the Second Battle of Saratoga, paving the way for his eventual surrender.
The Granite Railway begins operations, becoming the first chartered railway in the United States.
Germany and Austria-Hungary form the Dual Alliance, pledging mutual support in case of Russian aggression.
A landslide in Mameyes, Puerto Rico, kills nearly 200 people.
The United States launches air strikes and covert operations in Afghanistan, beginning what would become America's longest war.
Born today
American tennis player
Sam Querrey, the American tennis player known for his powerful serve who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 11 and won ten ATP singles titles, turns 39 today.
Canadian ice hockey player and executive
1901 – 1977
Canadian painter and sculptor
1923 – 2002
Brazilian footballer
b. 1973 · 53
American football player
b. 1973 · 53
Chinese singer-songwriter and actor
b. 1991 · 35
Scottish singer-songwriter
b. 1996 · 30
Music
🇬🇧 #1 on October 7, 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 7, 1916
Georgia Tech defeats Cumberland University 222, 0 in the most one-sided college football game ever recorded.
Read the storyOctober 7, 1958
The U.S. crewed space-flight program is renamed from Bureau of Aeronautics Project No. 1 to Project Mercury.
Read the storyToday is also
International
Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers