27 August in history.

1955

The Guinness Book of Records. The first Guinness Book of Records was published to settle pub arguments. It became one of the best-selling books ever.

Wikipedia: Guinness World Records

Photo: Jamt9000 at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)

More from 27 August

1. 

   1927

   Five women ask a question

   The "Famous Five" asked Canada's Supreme Court whether women count as "persons". The answer, two years later, was yes.

   Wikipedia: The Famous Five (Canada)Wikipedia: Edwards v Canada (AG)

   Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

2. 

   1939

   The first jet aircraft

   The Heinkel He 178 made the first flight powered by a jet engine.

   Wikipedia: Heinkel He 178

   Photo: Gryffindor / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

3. 

   1962

   Mariner 2 heads for Venus

   NASA launched Mariner 2, which became the first spacecraft to fly past another planet and send back data.

   Wikipedia: Mariner 2

   Photo: Eric Long/Smithsonian / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

4. 

   2003

   Mars comes close

   Mars passed closer to Earth than at any time in nearly 60,000 years.

   Wikipedia: Mars

   Photo: Kevin Gill from Los Angeles, CA, United States / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Moments chosen for discovery, creativity and courage. Each one links to a source where you can read more; photos are credited to their owners.