August 15: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

The first-ever World Humanoid Robot Games opened in Beijing, China, featuring over 500 androids from 16 countries.

Kristofer Helgen announced the discovery of the olinguito, a mammal of the raccoon family Procyonidae.

The olinguito was the first new carnivorous species found in the Americas in 35 years.

Richard Branson’s attempt at obtaining the fastest Atlantic crossing ended when his speed boat crashed.

The 32-ton vessel, The Virgin Atlantic Challenger, overturned just off the southwest coast of England, jeopardizing Branson's attempt at making the fastest journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope detected a deep-space radio signal.

The signal from the Saggitarius constellation bore all the signs of being extraterrestrial in origin. When an astronomer discovered the signal recording a few days later, he was stunned and impressed with it and wrote "Wow!" on the computer printout, leading to the signal being called the Wow! Signal.

Bahrain declared independence from Britain.

After six years at war, Japan surrendered, marking the end of World War II.

This day was named VJ Day, which stands for Victory in Japan day. It marked the victory of the world's allied nations in the enemy's defeat, which brought WWII to an end.

New Zealand’s All Blacks played their first international test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground.

An all-steel church called San Sebastian Church opened in Manila, Philippines.

The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973 and a National Cultural Treasure in 2011.

The Indian Appropriations Act added the sell or starve clause.

The clause meant that rations were cut until the Sioux people of Black Hills in South Dakota gave up their land.

The Transcontinental Railroad linking up the East and West halves of the US was completed in Colorado.

The world’s second oldest theme park, Tivoli Gardens, opened in Copenhagen, Denmark.

One thousand Nigerian troops were airlifted into Liberia to end the occupation of Monrovia.

Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila founded Panama City.

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican opened for its first mass.

Mainz Psalter was published, making it the first book with a printed publication date on it.

The foundations for Cologne Cathedral were laid in preparation for its construction.

Cave monastery Vardzia was blessed by Queen Tamar of Georgia.

The area consists of fifteen churches, with the main church being called "Assumption of Mary."