On this day in history - January 5

What Happened On This Day – January 5

• 2005 The solar system's largest known dwarf planet is discovered

  The discovery of “Eris” ultimately lead to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgrading Pluto, which has roughly the same size, to a dwarf planet.

• 1993 The MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands

  The oil tanker spilled twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez in 1989.

• 1968 The Prague Spring begins

  The period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia began with the election of Alexander Dubček as the country's leader.

• 1933 Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins

  The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.

• 1895 Alfred Dreyfus is sentenced to life imprisonment

  The French artillery officer was accused of treason. He was later exonerated.