1858  - 

The first balloon flight in Australia occurs. 

1915  - 

Opal is first discovered in Coober Pedy, Australia. 

1709  - 

The "real" Robinson Crusoe is rescued by English explorer William Dampier.

1811  - 

The light of the Bell Rock Lighthouse, considered one of the "7 Wonders of the Industrial World", is lit for the first time. 

1918  - 

Russia adopts the Gregorian calendar, centuries after the western world. 

1920  - 

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police force is established. 

2003  - 

The space shuttle 'Columbia' breaks up on re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing seven astronauts.