January 4 belongs to Ana Sánchez
Historical events & facts — January 4
What happened on January 4?
On January 4, 1643 (December 25, 1642 in the Julian calendar), Isaac Newton was born in Woolsthorpe, England — the scientist who formulated the laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, invented calculus and decomposed white light into the colour spectrum. Considered the most influential scientist in history, Newton laid the foundations of classical physics.
On January 4, 2004, NASA's Spirit rover landed in Gusev crater on Mars, beginning a mission planned to last 90 days that instead extended for six years. Its twin Opportunity landed three weeks later. Both rovers discovered evidence of liquid water in Mars's past, revolutionising our understanding of the geological history of the red planet.
On January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa was inaugurated in Dubai — the world's tallest building at 828 metres and 163 floors. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the skyscraper surpassed the previous champion, Taipei 101, by more than 300 metres. The Burj Khalifa houses a hotel, apartments, offices and the world's highest observation deck.
Notable birthdays — January 4
Famous people born on January 4
Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon is an American actress, filmmaker, and editor. Her accolades include a Saturn Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Academy Award nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was named Female Star of the Year by the National Association of Theatre Owners in 1973 and the Hollywood Women's Press Club in 1979.
Don Shula
Donald Francis Shula was an American football defensive back and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1963 to 1995. The head coach of the Miami Dolphins for most of his career, Shula is the NFL's winningest head coach at 347 career victories and 328 regular season victories. He is regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
Julian Sands
Julian Richard Morley Sands was an English actor. He had co-starring roles in Oxford Blues and The Killing Fields in 1984. The following year, Sands played George Emerson in A Room with a View; this role became his breakout role. He then went on to appear in Gothic (1986); Warlock (1989); Arachnophobia (1990); Naked Lunch (1991); Leaving Las Vegas (1995); and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).
Michael Stipe
John Michael Stipe is an American singer, songwriter and artist, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the alternative rock band R.E.M.
Julia Ormond
Julia Karin Ormond is an English actress. She rose to prominence during the 1990s by appearing in Legends of the Fall (1994), First Knight (1995) and Sabrina (1995). She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in the HBO film Temple Grandin (2010).
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Own a unique day
Your birthday, the date that changed everything. One owner per day. Claim yours and let the world know.
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Your day, your showcase
A worldwide public page that represents you. The more special you make it, the greater the impact.
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Guaranteed return
Every time it changes hands, the price rises. You always get back more than you paid — or keep it forever.