Mars made its closest approach to Earth in almost sixty thousand years.

Moldova declared its independence from rule of the Soviet Union.

American musician, Stevie Ray Vaughan, died at the age of 35. He was one of the most influential electric blues guitarists of the late 20th century who died in a helicopter crash.

British statesman, Lord Mountbatten, was killed by an IRA placed bomb while vacationing in Sligo, Ireland. He was the last Viceroy and first Governor-General of independent India.

Brazilian born footballer, Deco, was born in Sao Bernardo do Campo. In 2002 he received Portuguese citizenship and was subsequently inducted into the country's national team.

Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I, died at the age of 82. He was one of the most respected monarchs around the world and the 'Messiah' of the Rastafari movement. Under his leadership Ethiopia enjoyed a status of prestige around the world.

American fashion designer, Tom Ford, was born in Austin, Texas. He is most known for having been the chief designer of the Gucci brand during the 1990's. The success of Gucci after the 1990's is largely attributed to him. He stepped down from the position of Creative director in 2004, to begin his own brand.

West Germany agreed to pay Israel the sum of 3 billion Deutschmark as compensation for Germany's acts during the Second World War.

The first ever flight of a jet powered aircraft took place. The aircraft was the German made 'Heinkel He 178'.

The Toyota Motor Corporation was founded as a division of the of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works company (which at the time was a machine manufacturing company).

American politician, Lyndon B. Johnson, was born in Stonewall, Texas. He was the 36th president of the United States, who succeeded to the presidency following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

American serial killer, Ed Gein, was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He was one of the most notorious serial murderers in United States history, although he was found not guilty by reasons of insanity and was hospitalized for the rest of his life. His grave and tombstone has been the target of constant vandalizing by people acquiring souvenirs.

Napoleon defeated the combined army of the Austria, Russia and Prussia at the Battle of Dresden. Napoleon's army was outnumbered at a ration of almost 2 to 1.

German philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, was born in Stuttgart. He is considered as one of the most important philosophers of modern history.