July 21, 2009 (Tuesday)
- Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso dissolves the House of Representatives, setting the stage for a general election on August 30. (Xinhua)
- NASA scientists confirm an impact event on Jupiter, the first observed since the impact of Shoemaker-Levy 9 on July 16–22, 1994. (New Scientist)
- Foreign Minister Miguel Ángel Moratinos becomes the first Spanish government official to visit Gibraltar in 300 years. (The New York Times)