Nov 20,1942 - Present
THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
1986 Gateway Bridge Opens: The Gateway Bridge in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, officially opens, improving transportation.
1986 Congressman Bill Nelson lifts off aboard Columbia on mission STS-61-C as a payload specialist.
1986 A violent struggle begins in Aden, South Yemen, resulting in thousands of casualties.
1986 A significant moment in computer history occurs as the first IBM PC computer virus, named (c)Brain, is unleashed into the wild by the Farooq Alvi Brothers in Lahore, Pakistan. The virus aims to deter unauthorized software copying.
1986 In 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time in the United States, commemorating the legacy of the civil rights icon.
1986 A coup d'état in 1986 led by General Justin Lekhanya ousted Prime Minister Leabua Jonathan from power in Lesotho, bringing about a significant political change.
1986 Music history is made as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducts its inaugural members, including iconic figures like Little Richard, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, and others, forever commemorating their contributions to the genre.
1986 Voyager 2 makes a historic close approach to Uranus, providing valuable insights into the distant planet's composition and atmosphere.
1986 Uganda's Political Shift: The National Resistance Movement overthrows Tito Okello's government in Uganda, leading to a significant political shift.
1986 The Ugandan government of Tito Okello was overthrown by the National Resistance Army, led by Yoweri Museveni, reshaping the nation's political landscape.
1986 In a historic turning point, February 7, 1986, marked the end of twenty-eight years of one-family rule in Haiti. President Jean-Claude Duvalier fled the Caribbean nation, paving the way for a new era in Haitian politics and setting the stage for democratic reforms.
1986 The Hinton train collision claims the lives of twenty-three people in Alberta, Canada, marking a dark chapter in the nation's rail history.
1986 Halley's Comet last appeared in the inner Solar System.
1986 The Soviet liner MS Mikhail Lermontov runs aground in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, leaving a lasting mark on maritime history.
1986 Tragedy strikes as China Airlines Flight 2265 crashes into the Pacific Ocean near Penghu Airport in Taiwan, claiming the lives of all 13 aboard.
1986 Eastern Sri Lanka witnesses a horrifying massacre as the Sri Lankan Army brutally ends the lives of 80 Tamil farm workers in the Akkaraipattu massacre.
1986 The Soviet Union launches the Mir spacecraft, which remains in orbit for an impressive 15 years and serves as a pivotal space station, contributing to scientific research and international cooperation.
1986 The Philippines' People Power Revolution began, setting in motion a sequence of events that would lead to significant political change and the end of Ferdinand Marcos's authoritarian rule.
1986 People Power Revolution: President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos flees the nation after 20 years of rule; Corazon Aquino becomes the Philippines' first female president.
1986 Olof Palme, 26th Prime Minister of Sweden, is assassinated in Stockholm.
1986 A nation's journey to complete independence reaches its pinnacle as the Australia Act 1986 comes into effect, cementing Australia's sovereignty and severing the last ties to the United Kingdom.
1986 The mysteries of space unfold as the Soviet Vega 1 spacecraft begins transmitting images of Halley's Comet and its nucleus, enlightening the world about celestial wonders.
1986 The aftermath of the Challenger Disaster saw divers from the USS Preserver locating the crew cabin of Challenger on the ocean floor, an emotional and solemn moment in space exploration history.
1986 The collapse of Hotel New World in Singapore claimed the lives of thirty-three people, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of safety standards in construction.
1986 Debi Thomas made history by becoming the first African American to win the World Figure Skating Championships, breaking barriers in the sport.
1986 On March 27, 1986, a tragic event unfolded in Melbourne, Australia, as a car bomb exploded outside Russell Street Police HQ. This heinous act resulted in the loss of one police officer's life and injuries to 21 others, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
1986 Communist Party of Nepal (Mashal) cadres launch an audacious attack on multiple police stations in Kathmandu, seeking to instigate a popular rebellion and reshape the nation's political landscape.
1986 Alabama Governor George Wallace, known for his segregationist past, announced on April 2, 1986, that he would not seek a fifth four-year term, marking a retirement from public life and symbolizing societal change.
1986 The FBI Miami Shootout erupts in Dade County, Florida, during a broad daylight gun battle between bank/armored car robbers and pursuing FBI agents. This incident results in the development of the popular .40 S&W cartridge.
1986 A centuries-old alleged state of war between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly finally ended, bringing closure to a hypothetical conflict that had endured for 335 years.
1986 On this day in 1986, the Chernobyl disaster, a catastrophic nuclear accident, occurred in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. This event had far-reaching consequences for nuclear safety and environmental awareness.
1986 A haunting chapter begins as authorities evacuate the city of Pripyat and its surroundings due to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, triggering a long-lasting nuclear crisis.
1986 The world watches in horror as Sweden detects high radiation levels stemming from the Chornobyl disaster, prompting the Soviet Union to acknowledge the catastrophe publicly.
1986 A catastrophic fire engulfed the Central Library of the City of Los Angeles Public Library, consuming or ravaging 400,000 books and artifacts, leaving a void in the city's cultural heritage.
1986 The USS Enterprise, a symbol of American naval prowess, etched its name in history as the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to navigate the Suez Canal, a testament to technological innovation.
1986 The eerie aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster was revealed through American and European spy satellites, capturing haunting images of the ruined 4th Reactor at the Chornobyl Power Plant, highlighting the human and environmental cost of nuclear accidents.
1986 The city of Chornobyl faced a grave crisis as it was evacuated six days after the Chornobyl disaster, marking a poignant moment in nuclear history.
1986 A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolds at Colombo airport in Sri Lanka as a bomb detonates aboard Air Lanka Flight 512, claiming the lives of twenty-one individuals and injuring forty-one others, leaving a scar on the nation's collective memory.
1986 Canadian mountaineer Patrick Morrow achieves a historic feat by becoming the first person to successfully climb all Seven Summits, showcasing human endurance and determination.
1986 U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed the Firearm Owners Protection Act into law, impacting firearm regulations and ownership rights in the United States.
1986 The "Hands Across America" initiative unites millions of people across the United States, forming a human chain spanning coast to coast in a symbolic act of solidarity and compassion to combat hunger and poverty.
1986 The European Community adopts the European flag, a symbol of unity and cooperation among European nations. This unique decision marks a step towards greater integration on the continent.
1986 In 1986, Jonathan Pollard entered a guilty plea for espionage, admitting to selling top-secret United States military intelligence to Israel in a case that had significant repercussions for U.S.-Israel relations.
1986 Fantasyland Tragedy: The Mindbender roller coaster derailed at West Edmonton Mall, resulting in the loss of three riders in a tragic accident at the Fantasyland indoor amusement park in Edmonton, Alberta.
1986 Diego Maradona's unforgettable "Hand of God" goal in the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England ignited controversy and debate, followed by his "Goal of the Century," leaving an indelible mark on football history.
1986 In a landmark legal ruling in 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court declared in Bowers v. Hardwick that states could outlaw homosexual acts between consenting adults, setting the stage for later advancements in LGBTQ+ rights.
1986 Tragedy strikes during a Chilean street demonstration against General Augusto Pinochet's regime as Rodrigo Rojas and Carmen Gloria Quintana are immolated, becoming symbols of resistance.
1986 Aeroflot Flight 2306 experiences a catastrophic crash while attempting an emergency landing at Syktyvkar Airport in the Komi Republic, Russia, resulting in the tragic loss of 54 lives.
1986 A groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ rights takes place in New Zealand as the Parliament passes the Homosexual Law Reform Act, decriminalizing homosexuality in the country.
1986 Sydney, Australia, experienced a record-breaking deluge as a low-pressure system off the New South Wales coast brought a staggering 328 millimeters of rain in a single day, causing widespread flooding.
1986 The small town of Edmond, Oklahoma, witnessed a tragic event when U.S. Postal employee Patrick Sherrill gunned down 14 of his co-workers before taking his own life. This incident shocked the nation and raised awareness about workplace violence.
1986 The eruption of carbon dioxide gas from volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon resulted in a tragic event that claimed the lives of up to 1,800 people within a 20-kilometer range, highlighting the dangers posed by volcanic activity.
1986 The collision of Aeroméxico Flight 498 with a Piper PA-28 Cherokee over Cerritos, California, leads to a devastating loss of life both in the air and on the ground, highlighting aviation safety concerns.
1986 The sinking of the Soviet passenger liner Admiral Nakhimov in the Black Sea following a collision with the bulk carrier Pyotr Vasev results in a tragic loss of 423 lives, underscoring the importance of maritime safety.
1986 The hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 with 358 people on board at Karachi International Airport in 1986 underscored the challenges and dangers associated with aviation security.
1986 A heartbreaking attack unfolded in Istanbul, where terrorists from Abu Nidal's organization killed 22 and injured six during Shabbat services inside the Neve Shalom Synagogue.
1986 Desmond Tutu became the first black man to lead the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town in 1986, a significant milestone in South African history.
1986 In 1986, Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet survived an assassination attempt by the FPMR, but five of his bodyguards were killed in the attack, marking a turbulent period in Chile's history.
1986 Nicholas Daniloff's indictment on espionage charges by the Soviet Union added a layer of intrigue to Cold War tensions and the world of international journalism.
1986 Nature unleashed its fury on September 13, 1986, as a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Kalamata, Greece, with an extreme Modified Mercalli intensity of X. This devastating earthquake claimed at least 20 lives and inflicted heavy damage upon the city, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history and resilience.
1986 The Democratic Progressive Party becomes the first opposition party in Taiwan.
1986 Canada officially inaugurates TASCC, a superconducting cyclotron at the Chalk River Laboratories, advancing scientific research and innovation.
1986 The Sunday Times exposed Israel's secret nuclear weapons program through Mordechai Vanunu's story, sparking international scrutiny.
1986 The iconic musical, The Phantom of the Opera, takes center stage at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, embarking on a journey to become one of the longest-running musicals in history.
1986 The landscape of American television undergoes a transformation as the Fox Broadcasting Company (FBC) launches, becoming a prominent "fourth" network in the United States.
1986 October 10, 1986, witnessed the devastating 5.7 magnitude San Salvador earthquake in El Salvador, claiming the lives of 1,500 individuals and leaving a profound impact on the nation.
1986 Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev's meeting in Iceland focuses on reducing IRBM arsenals in Europe, influencing global diplomacy.
1986 The tragic plane crash into the Lebombo Mountains claims the life of the president of Mozambique and other prominent leaders, leaving a void in the nation's leadership.
1986 Tragedy strikes in Kuibyshev (now Samara, Russia) as Aeroflot Flight 6502 crashes while landing at Kuibyshev Airport, claiming the lives of 70 people in a harrowing aviation accident.
1986 Tensions rise in Lebanon as pro-Iran kidnappers claim responsibility for the abduction of American writer Edward Tracy, setting off a high-stakes international crisis.
1986 Nezar Hindawi's sentencing to 45 years in prison, the longest ever handed down by a British court, followed the attempted bombing of an El Al flight at Heathrow Airport.
1986 The "Big Bang" deregulation event reshapes the financial markets in the United Kingdom, revolutionizing the country's financial landscape.
1986 British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher inaugurates the last stretch of the M25 motorway, a landmark infrastructure project. This transportation milestone signifies the ongoing development of modern infrastructure and the importance of efficient road networks in the UK.
1986 The protracted Lebanon hostage crisis witnessed a glimmer of hope as U.S. hostage David Jacobsen was released in Beirut after enduring 17 months in captivity. His release brought relief to his family and the American public.
1986 The Compact of Free Association becomes law, granting the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands independence from the United States.
1986 USS Rentz, USS Reeves, and USS Oldendorf's historic visit to Qingdao, China, marked the first U.S. naval visit to China since 1949, fostering diplomatic relations between the two nations.
1986 The harrowing Sumburgh disaster unfolds as a British International Helicopters Boeing 234LR Chinook crashes 21⁄2 miles east of Sumburgh Airport, claiming the lives of 45 individuals. This remains the deadliest civilian helicopter crash on record.
1986 An intriguing incident unfolds as the flight crew of Japan Airlines Flight 1628 reports a UFO sighting while flying over Alaska, sparking curiosity and debate about extraterrestrial encounters.
1986 National Security Council member Oliver North and his secretary initiated the shredding of documents connected to the Iran-Contra affair, leading to a major political scandal.
1986 Iran witnesses significant events unfold on this day.
1986 The King Fahd Causeway, a remarkable engineering feat, is officially inaugurated, connecting regions across the Persian Gulf.
1986 Iran experiences significant developments, shaping its course in modern history.
1986 The start of John Demjanjuk's trial in Jerusalem, accused of war crimes at the Nazi Treblinka extermination camp, signifies a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice.
1986 Tragedy unfolds in Suriname as the military attacks the village of Moiwana during the Suriname Guerrilla War, resulting in the senseless deaths of at least 39 civilians, predominantly women and children.
1986 The MV Amazon Venture oil tanker springs a leak while at the port of Savannah in the United States, leading to an oil spill of approximately 500,000 US gallons (1,900,000 L), marking an environmental crisis of monumental proportions.
1986 A tragic chapter unfolds in Qasba Aligarh, as over 400 lives are lost in a wave of revenge killings following a raid on a Pashtun heroin processing and distribution center in Sohrab Goth by security forces.
1986 Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's decision to release Andrei Sakharov and his wife from exile in Gorky signifies a pivotal moment in Soviet politics.
1986 The record-breaking flight of Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, culminates with a triumphant landing at Edwards Air Force Base, marking a historic aviation achievement.
1986 Iraqi Airways Flight 163, a Boeing 737-270C, is hijacked and crashes in Arar, Saudi Arabia, claiming the lives of 63 people.
1986 The catastrophic Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurs shortly after liftoff, claiming the lives of all seven astronauts aboard.
1986 The Loscoe gas explosion on March 24, 1986, brought about new legislation in the UK related to landfill gas migration and gas protection on landfill sites, a crucial step in environmental safety.
1986 Operation El Dorado Canyon, the U.S. bombing raids against Libyan targets, was launched in response to a discotheque bombing in West Germany, underscoring the complexity of international relations.
1986 The skies above Gopalganj district in Bangladesh turn into a hailstorm of record-breaking proportions, as hailstones weighing a staggering 1 kilogram each pummel the region, resulting in the tragic loss of 92 lives.
