May 6
May 6 is the 127th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 239 days remain until the year's end. It falls in spring (northern hemisphere) and under the astrological sign of Taurus.
External references
Curated jump-off points to the major almanacs, encyclopaedias and primary sources for this date.
Astronomy
On May 6 the Sun's declination is approximately +16.7°. At this latitude the Sun is north of the celestial equator, giving the Northern Hemisphere longer days than nights.
For specific rise/set times at your location, see the U.S. Naval Observatory, or the NASA APOD archive for any imagery published on a May 6.
Position in the year
Holidays & observances
No widely-observed holidays catalogued for this day in our base set. See the external almanacs above for region-specific observances.
Events
A selection of widely-documented historical events that took place on this date. Years marked BCE follow standard astronomical convention.
1527 — Spanish and German troops sacked Rome — the Sack of Rome. ↗(499 years ago)more
The Sack of Rome, then part of the Papal States, followed the capture of Rome on 6 May 1527 by the mutinous troops of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, during the War of the League of Cognac. Charles V only intended to threaten military action to make Pope Clement VII come to his terms. However, the Imperial army were largely unpaid and mutinied.
1840 — The Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, was officially issued in Britain. ↗(186 years ago)more
The Penny Black was the world's first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was first issued in the United Kingdom on 1 May 1840 but was not valid for use until 6 May. The stamp features a profile of 21-year-old Queen Victoria.
1937 — The German airship Hindenburg burst into flames at Lakehurst, New Jersey, killing 36. ↗(89 years ago)more
The Hindenburg disaster was an airship accident that occurred on May 6, 1937, in Manchester Township, New Jersey, United States. The LZ 129 Hindenburg was a German commercial passenger-carrying rigid airship, the lead ship of the Hindenburg class, the longest class of flying machine and the largest airship by envelope volume.
1954 — Roger Bannister became the first runner to break the four-minute mile. ↗(72 years ago)more
A four-minute mile is the completion of a mile run (1.609 km) in four minutes or less. It translates to an average speed of 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). It is a standard for male professional middle-distance runners in several countries.
Notable births
1856 — Sigmund Freud, Austrian neurologist. ↗(170 years ago)more
Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for evaluating and treating pathologies arising from conflicts in the psyche through dialogue between patient and psychoanalyst, and the distinctive theory of mind and human agency derived from it.
1915 — Orson Welles, American actor and filmmaker. ↗(111 years ago)more
George Orson Welles was an American actor and filmmaker. Remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre, he is considered among the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time.
1961 — George Clooney, American actor. ↗(65 years ago)more
George Timothy Clooney is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for his leading man roles on screen in both blockbuster and independent films, Clooney has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award and four Golden Globe Awards as well as nominations for three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.
Notable deaths
1862 — Henry David Thoreau, American writer. ↗(164 years ago)more
Henry David Thoreau was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. A leading transcendentalist, he is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay "Civil Disobedience", an argument in favor of citizen disobedience against an unjust state.
Numerical & calendrical curiosities
| Day-of-year (127) | 127 · prime |
|---|---|
| Days remaining (239) | 239 |
| Date code DDMMYYYY | 06052026 · no palindrome in next 200 years |
| Sun declination | +16.68° (Cooper approximation) |
| Distance from solstice | 45 days |