Important Events From This day in History – 5th January

Today in History

• 2005 The solar system’s largest known dwarf planet is discovered

  The discovery of “Eris” prompted the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to downgrade Pluto, roughly the same size, to the status of dwarf planet.

• 1993 The oil tanker MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands

  The oil tanker spilt twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez in 1989.

• 1968 The Prague Spring begins

  Czechoslovakia’s period of political liberalization began with the election of Alexander Dubek as the country’s leader.

• 1933 Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins

  The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.

• 1895 Alfred Dreyfus is sentenced to life imprisonment

  The French artillery officer was accused of treason. He was later exonerated.