Today in history

Today is Saturday, Oct. 12, the 285th day of 2019 and the 20th day of autumn.

Today’s history: In 1492, explorer Christopher Columbus’ expedition made landfall in the Bahamas.

■ In 1892, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by students in public schools for the first time, in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage.

■ In 1945, the Allied Control Council in Germany decreed that the Nazi political party be dissolved.

■ In 2000, a suicide bomb attack on the USS Cole in Yemen killed 17 sailors and wounded 39.

■ In 2007, former Vice President Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to increase public knowledge about climate change.

Today’s fact: The United Nations Population Fund estimated that the world’s population reached 7 billion at the end of October 2011, but according to U.S. Census Bureau demographers, that number was not reached until four months later.

Today’s sports: In 2003, Michael Schumacher won his sixth Formula One Drivers’ championship, breaking a record held for 47 years by Juan Manuel Fangio.

Today’s quote: “If all you can do is judge a person by their appearance, because you don’t have the spirit to judge someone from within, you’re in trouble.” — Dick Gregory

Today’s number: 42 — the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything, according to Douglas Adams’ comedy science fiction novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” published on this day in 1979.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (Oct. 5) and full moon (Oct. 13).