What happened on Wednesday, October 17, 1979?

Here's what happened on October 17, 1979:

• U.S. Department of Education established The U.S. Department of Education was established on October 17, 1979, through the Department of Education Organization Act. This act aimed to consolidate federal education programs and improve the management of education-related activities. The department's primary mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. source: ed.gov
• Mother Teresa awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 17, 1979, for her humanitarian work and dedication to helping the poor and sick in India and around the world. Her efforts through the Missionaries of Charity were recognized for their impact on alleviating suffering and promoting peace. This award highlighted her commitment to serving the most marginalized communities. source: britannica.com
• VisiCalc released for Apple II VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program for personal computers, was released for the Apple II on October 17, 1979. Developed by Software Arts and published by VisiCorp, it transformed the Apple II into a serious business tool and sold over 700,000 copies in six years. source: britannica.com
• Kimi Räikkönen born in Espoo, Finland Kimi Räikkönen, a Finnish racing driver known for his time in Formula One, was born on October 17, 1979, in Espoo, Finland. He has achieved significant success in the sport, including winning the World Championship in 2007. Räikkönen is celebrated for his straightforward personality and unique approach to racing. source: britannica.com
• Pittsburgh Pirates win 1979 World Series On October 17, 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates clinched the World Series by defeating the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 in Game 7. Willie Stargell's two-run home run in the sixth inning broke a 1-1 tie, leading the Pirates to their fifth championship. Stargell was named the World Series Most Valuable Player after batting .400 with three home runs and seven RBIs. source: baseballhall.org
• D Bautista of Mexico completes 20,000 m walk in record 1:20:06.8 On October 17, 1979, D Bautista of Mexico set a world record by completing a 20,000-meter walk in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 6.8 seconds. source: brainyhistory.com

Events in 1979

October 17, 1979: What were the magazines covers and newspapers that day?

LIFE magazines from October 1979

Newspapers from Oct. 17, 1979

October 17, 1979 was a Wednesday and it was the 290th day of the year 1979 in the Gregorian calendar.

October 17, 1979 can also be written as 10/17/1979 in the US and as 17/10/1979 in UK and Europe.

October 17, 1979 in October 1979 calendar

Famous people born on October 17, 1979:

• Sharon Leal

  Sharon Leal is an American actress and singer best known for her roles in television series such as "Boston Public" and "Dreamgirls." She has also appeared in films like "Why Did I Get Married?" and its sequel, as well as recurring roles on TV shows like "Supergirl." [bio]

• Deanna Russo

  Deanna Russo is an American actress and director best known for her roles in television series such as 'Knight Rider' (2008), 'Burning Love', and 'Being Human.' Her career spans appearances in both drama and comedy, contributing to popular network and cable TV series. [bio]

• Kimi Räikkönen

  Kimi Räikkönen is a legendary Finnish Formula One driver who won the 2007 World Championship and is widely known as 'The Iceman' for his...

• Matt Nagle

  Matt Nagle is a pioneering scientist who became the first person to control computer devices using only brain signals through a...

Famous people born in 1979

Famous people born on October 17th

Famous people died on October 17, 1979:

• John Stuart

  John Stuart was a Scottish actor known for his extensive career in British cinema, transitioning from silent films to talkies and maintaining steady work for several decades. He appeared in a variety of roles, often portraying dignified and authoritative characters. [bio]

• S. J. Perelman

  American humorist and screenwriter (b. 1904).

• Eugenio Mendoza

  Venezuelan business tycoon (b. 1909).

• Pierre Bernac

Famous people who died in 1979

Famous people who died on October 17th

October 17, 1979: What was the number 1 song in the USA on that day?

The number 1 song in the USA on October 17, 1979 was Rise by Herb Alpert, according to the music chart for the week October 15th and October 21st.

1. Herb Alpert - Rise
2. Michael Jackson - Don't Stop Til You Get Enough
3. M - Pop Muzik
4. Commodores - Sail On
5. Dionne Warwick - I'll Never Love This Way Again

October 17, 1979: What was the number 1 song in the UK on that day?

The number 1 song in the UK on October 17, 1979 was Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles, according to the music chart for the week October 15th and October 21st.

1. The Buggles - Video Killed The Radio Star
2. The Police - Message In A Bottle
3. Lena Martell - One Day At A Time
4. Blondie - Dreaming
5. Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

October 17, 1979: What was the number 1 R&B song on that day?

The number 1 R&B song on October 17, 1979 was (Not Just) Knee Deep - Part 1 by Funkadelic, according to the music chart for the week October 15th and October 21st.

1. Funkadelic - (Not Just) Knee Deep - Part 1
2. Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough
3. Kool & The Gang - Ladies Night
4. Herb Alpert - Rise
5. Cameo - I Just Want To Be

The Zodiac and Astrological sign for October 17th is Libra.

Discover the zodiac sign and horoscope for any day in the past.

Libra is the 7th sign in the Western Zodiac. People born between September 23rd and October 22nd belong to the Libra sign: discover Libra personality and who should a Libra marry.

Babies born in October are either Libra or Scorpio. People born before October 22nd are Libra, while people born from October 23rd have the sign of Scorpio.

Discover the personality of October born.

Unlock the Mysteries of October 17, 1979! Claim Your Free Numerology Report!

October 17, 1979: What is the Chinese Zodiac Sign for that day?

The Chinese Zodiac sign for October 17, 1979 is Goat and the associated element is Earth.

Discover the Goat personality and how the Earth Element might affect a person's traits and compatibility with other signs according to the Chinese zodiac.

Moon phase

The moon phase on October 17, 1979 was Waning crescent.

The moon phase refers to the appearance of the Moon in the night sky on October 17, 1979 and is determined by the portion of the Moon's illuminated surface that is visible from Earth.

An observer located in New York City on October 17, 1979 at 10pm, would see the moon, being 4% full, rising at 03:42 am and setting at 05:18 pm.

The previous full moon was on Oct 05, 1979 while the next full moon would come on Nov 04, 1979.

Unveil Your Inner Self: Discover Your Moon Sign Now!

Explore Moon Phases in October 1979

Your place in the Universe on October 17, 1979

We are proud to bring you the most beautiful and accurate map of the stars on your day

Someone born on October 17, 1979 is:

46 years 9 months old,

or 561 months and 17 days old,

or 2441 weeks and 5 days old,

or 17092 days old,

Enjoy a trip down memory lane: discover what the world looked like when you turned 18 years old, 30 years old, 40 years old

Use our How old am I? Calculator to know the age of a person today or use the Age Calculator to determine the interval between two dates.

How many days until your next birthday if you were born on October 17, 1979?

There are 75 days until your next birthday, which will occur on Saturday October 17th 2026.

Try out our Countdown calculator to find out are many days are left until your special moments.

What generation do you belong to if you were born on October 17, 1979?

You belong to the Generation X if you were born on October 17, 1979.

Discover what generation people belong to with our generation calculator.