January 3

January 3 is the third day of the year. There are still 362 days till the end of the year, except in the case of a leap year in which there are still 363 days to go.

On Earth

 * 1892: John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the creator of Middle Earth, is born in Bloemfontain.
 * 2012: Tolkien fans all over the world commemorate Tolkien's birthday by toasting him. The words of the toast are "The Professor!" and should be said standing, with a glass or similar vessel with (not necessarily alcoholic) beverage raised.