On this day: January 24
An 1878 Kansas Sighting Often Cited as the First Modern UFO Report
On January 24 in the late 1870s, several Kansas residents reported witnessing a luminous, cigar-shaped object moving across the sky—an account later invoked by researchers as an early example of a modern unidentified aerial phenomenon, though contemporary details and interpretations remain limited and debated.
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.