January 15: What Happened on This Day in History
January 15th marks the 15th day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 350 days (351 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 15th in history, famous birthdays on January 15th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 15.
What happened on January 15?
Here's what happened on January 15th in history:
- 2022: A massive volcanic eruption occurred in the Tonga archipelago, causing widespread destruction and triggering a significant tsunami across the Pacific Ocean. The eruption was so powerful that its shock waves were detected as far away as Alaska, demonstrating the immense geological impact of this event.
- 2020: The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare officially confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Japan, marking the beginning of the pandemic's spread in the country. This event would later prove to be a critical moment in the global coronavirus outbreak.
- 2019: The world's largest human gathering, the Kumbh Mela, commenced in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), India. The religious festival was expected to attract over 120 million Hindu devotees and tourists, showcasing the immense cultural significance of this periodic event.
- 2011: After being rejected by France, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the former President of Tunisia, flees to Saudi Arabia with his family, marking a significant moment in the Tunisian Revolution.
- 2010: On January 15, 2010, the longest annular solar eclipse of the 3rd millennium occurred, presenting a rare astronomical event where the moon appears smaller than the sun, creating a ring of light around its edge.
- 2007: Bo Yibo, a prominent Chinese politician and influential Communist Party leader, passed away. Born in 1908, he was a key figure in modern Chinese political history.
- 2001: The first confirmed case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease) was discovered in Italy, raising significant public health and agricultural concerns.
- 1998: NASA announces that John Glenn, 76 years old and a legendary astronaut, may fly in space again. This potential mission would make Glenn the oldest person to return to space, highlighting NASA's commitment to senior astronauts and space exploration.
- 1996: Chief Moshushu II, who served as the King of Lesotho from 1966 to 1990, passed away at the age of 51. Born in 1938, he was a significant political figure in the history of this southern African nation during a critical period of post-colonial governance.
- 1993: The popular soap opera Santa Barbara aired its final episode on NBC Television, marking the end of a significant television series.
What famous birthdays are on January 15?
On January 15th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Ayeza Khan]()
Ayeza Khan (1991)Ayeza Khan is a prominent Pakistani actress and model known for her versatile performances in television dramas and films, with significant...
![Dove Cameron]()
Dove Cameron (1996)Dove Cameron is a popular American actress and singer known for her breakthrough roles in Disney Channel's 'Liv and Maddie' and the...
![Ignacio López Tarso]()
Ignacio López Tarso (1925)Renowned Mexican actor with a long and distinguished career in film, television, and theater, who was a significant figure in Latin American...
![Maria Schell]()
Maria Schell (1926)Maria Schell was a renowned Austrian-Swiss actress and film producer who had a significant career in European cinema during the mid-20th...
![Margaret O'Brien]()
Margaret O'Brien (1937)Renowned child actress of the 1940s, famous for her roles in classic films like 'Meet Me in St. Louis' and 'Jane Eyre', who was considered...
![Margherita Buy]()
Margherita Buy (1962)Renowned Italian actress who has won seven David di Donatello Awards and seven Nastro d'Argento Awards, establishing herself as one of the...
![Chad Lowe]()
Chad Lowe (1968)Chad Lowe is an American actor and director, known for being Rob Lowe's younger brother and having worked in television and film.
![Phyllis Coates]()
Phyllis Coates (1927)Phyllis Coates was a prominent American actress best known for her role as Lois Lane in the 1951 film 'Superman and the Mole Men' and the...
![Lloyd Bridges]()
Lloyd Bridges (1913)Lloyd Bridges was a prominent American actor known for his roles in 'Sea Hunt' and as the father of actors Jeff and Beau Bridges.
![James Nesbitt]()
James Nesbitt (1965)James Nesbitt is a prominent Northern Irish actor known for his versatile roles in popular TV series like 'Cold Feet' and 'The Missing',...
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 15?
On January 15th the following celebrities died:
![Ray Bolger]()
Ray Bolger (1987)Famous American actor and dancer best known for his iconic role as the Scarecrow in 'The Wizard of Oz', a classic film that defined his...
![Ruth Warrick]()
Ruth Warrick (2005)Prominent American actress known for her roles in 'Citizen Kane' and the long-running soap opera 'All My Children', who had a significant...
![Carol Channing]()
Carol Channing (2019)Iconic Broadway and Hollywood actress known for her distinctive voice and comedic roles.
![Gordon Jackson]()
Gordon Jackson (1990)Scottish actor renowned for his iconic role as Hudson in the TV series 'Upstairs, Downstairs', winning an Emmy Award in 1976 and the British...
![Susannah York]()
Susannah York (2011)Acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances in over 60 films, including her Oscar-nominated role in 'They Shoot Horses,...
![Brad Renfro]()
Brad Renfro (2008)Brad Renfro was a talented American actor who gained recognition in the 1990s for his compelling performances in legal drama films like 'The...
![Shepperd Strudwick]()
Shepperd Strudwick (1983)American character actor known for his work in film and theater during the mid-20th century, who passed away from cancer at age 75.
![John Dall]()
- Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah (2006)
Emir of Kuwait from 1977 to 2006, he was a significant political leader who played a crucial role in Kuwait's modernization and regional...
What day of the year is January 15?
January 15th marks the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 350 days remaining until the end of the year (or 351 days in case of leap years).
January 15th is the 15th day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 15?
The zodiac sign associated with January 15th is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.
