On this day: January 24
An 1878 Kansas Sighting Often Cited as the First Modern UFO Report
On January 24, 1878, several residents of Irving, Kansas, reported seeing a bright, cigar-shaped object cross the sky; contemporary accounts framed it as an extraordinary atmospheric phenomenon, and it has since been cited in histories of unidentified aerial sightings.
Pentagon Discloses 1996 Near-Miss Involving Nuclear-Tipped Missile
In January 1996 the Pentagon revealed that a previously undisclosed incident had occurred involving a nuclear-armed missile that came close to an unintended launch or detonation, prompting reviews of safety procedures and command controls.
Man Rescued After 12 Days Trapped Under Rubble
A man was rescued alive after being trapped beneath collapsed building debris for 12 days following the earthquake on January 24, 2010; the survival drew international attention and highlighted gaps in emergency response and urban search-and-rescue capabilities.
Pentagon Publishes Maps of Cold War Bunker Network
On January 24, 2000, the Pentagon released declassified maps detailing the United States' Cold War-era bunker and continuity-of-government sites, revealing locations, functions, and the scale of preparations once kept secret.
Apple Reveals the Macintosh to the World
On January 24, 1984, Apple Computer introduced the Macintosh, a compact personal computer with a graphical user interface and mouse, marking a pivotal moment in personal computing history.
Chandler Parsons Hits NBA Record 10 Three-Pointers in One Half
On January 24, 2014, Chandler Parsons set an NBA record by making 10 three-pointers in a single half, showcasing an exceptional shooting performance that drew national attention.