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October 8 has witnessed events in astronomy, science, sport and national history. This curated selection ranges from the first sighting of a supernova in 1604 to Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956, with major fires and Bulgarian history also marking the date.
What happened on October 8?
These events took place on October 8 in different years and countries. They are notable examples, not a complete list of everything that happened on this date.
1604: Kepler’s nova is first sighted
The European Space Agency says the supernova now known as Kepler’s nova was first sighted on October 8, 1604, in the constellation Ophiuchus. Astronomer Johannes Kepler observed it and later wrote The New Star, published in 1606. European Space Agency: October 8 in space science
1871: The Chicago and Peshtigo fires begin
The Great Chicago fire began on October 8, 1871. HISTORY.com reports that it killed 300 people. The Peshtigo fire also began that day in Wisconsin; the same source gives its toll as at least 1,200 deaths. These are figures reported by HISTORY.com, a secondary reference, rather than primary-source counts. HISTORY.com: Great Chicago fire begins
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1873: Astronomer Ejnar Hertzsprung is born
Ejnar Hertzsprung was born on October 8, 1873. The European Space Agency describes his work on classifying stars by surface temperature or colour and absolute brightness. Henry Norris Russell later illustrated the relationship in the diagram now known as the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. European Space Agency: October 8 in space science
927: A treaty in Bulgarian history
A Bulgarian News Agency retrospective dated October 8, 2026, notes a treaty in 927 between Byzantine Emperor Romanos I and Bulgarian Tsar Peter I. The retrospective also records Bulgarian First Army operations on October 8, 1944. These events place the date in a national history beyond the more familiar American examples. Bulgarian News Agency: October 8 in Bulgarian history
1944: Bulgarian First Army operations
The Bulgarian News Agency’s October 8, 2026 retrospective also marks Bulgarian First Army operations on October 8, 1944. Its summary establishes the date and national context, but does not provide further operational detail. Bulgarian News Agency: October 8 in Bulgarian history
1956: Don Larsen pitches a World Series perfect game
On October 8, 1956, New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game in the World Series. Timeanddate describes it as the only perfect game in World Series history. Timeanddate: On This Day, October 8
October 8 observances depend on the year and place
Observance calendars distinguish between national or date-based observances and informal “fun holidays.” Timeanddate’s listing for October 8, 2026, separates those categories; it should not be read as proof that every listed observance is official or observed everywhere. Check the jurisdiction and current year before describing an observance as official. Timeanddate: October 8 observances
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