Antonov An-225 Mriya makes first flight
The world's heaviest aircraft, the Antonov An-225 Mriya, made its first flight.
Discover 15 historical moments on December 21 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
Hero image inspired by: Antonov An-225 Mriya
The world's heaviest aircraft, the Antonov An-225 Mriya, made its first flight.
Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano, dormant for 47 years, began erupting and is now one of the nation's most active volcanoes.
In accordance with the Oslo II Accord, Israeli troops withdrew from Bethlehem in preparation for the transfer of control to the Palestinian National Authority.
Countries that were part of the Maya civilization celebrated the end-date of a 5,126-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar.
Operatives of the British Special Boat Service boarded the container ship Grande Tema to detain four stowaways who had threatened the crew.
Austrian-Swiss singer-songwriter and pianist Udo Jürgens died on December 21, 2014. He was born in 1934.
US astronaut Bruce McCandless II, who conducted the first untethered spacewalk, died on December 21, 2017. He was born in 1937.
British engineer Andrew Clennel Palmer died on December 21, 2019. He was born in 1938.
American actor Art Evans died on December 21, 2024. He was born in 1942.
December 21 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1988 to the present day.
Among the most notable events on December 21: Antonov An-225 Mriya makes first flight (1988), Popocatépetl volcano begins erupting (1994), Israeli troops withdraw from Bethlehem (1995). View all events →
Notable figures born on December 21 include Ben Chilwell, Madelyn Cline, Charlie McAvoy. View all birthdays →
Remembered figures who died on December 21 include Udo Jürgens, Bruce McCandless II, Andrew Clennel Palmer. View all →
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