What Happened on August 29?

August 29 is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests — a UN call for a world free of nuclear explosions — on the same date the Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb in 1949, the Beatles played their last concert in 1966, and Faraday recorded electromagnetic induction in 1831.

• 1831 — Michael Faraday discovers electromagnetic induction

  On August 29, 1831, Michael Faraday’s lab notes record a breakthrough: moving magnetism can make electric current flow. Read the full story →

• 1842 — Treaty of Nanking ends the First Opium War

  On August 29, 1842, China and Britain signed the Treaty of Nanking aboard HMS Cornwallis, ending the First Opium War. Read the full story →

• 1949 — Soviet Union detonates its first atomic bomb

  On August 29, 1949, the Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb at Semipalatinsk, ending the U.S. nuclear monopoly. Read the full story →

• 1966 — The Beatles play their final ticketed concert

  On August 29, 1966, the Beatles performed their last commercial concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Read the full story →

• 1991 — Kazakhstan closes the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site

  On August 29, 1991, Kazakhstan shut down the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, a milestone later honored by the UN. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Michael Jackson (1958–2009) · Ingrid Bergman (1915–1982) · Charlie Parker (1920–1955) · John Locke (1632–1704)

Days & observances

International Day Against Nuclear Tests · National Chop Suey Day · According to Hoyle Day · More Herbs, Less Salt Day