On this day: June 24

Pilot Kenneth Arnold’s 1947 sighting ignites nationwide UFO concern

On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine shiny, fast-moving crescent-shaped objects near Mount Rainier; his account and the subsequent press coverage helped launch widespread public interest and anxiety about unidentified flying objects in the United States.

First reported complete disappearance of an Arctic expedition, June 24, 1845

On June 24, 1845, news emerged that an entire British Arctic expedition led by Sir John Franklin had sailed and subsequently vanished—marking the first widely reported instance of a whole expedition disappearing without immediate explanation.

First Recorded Night Baseball Game Played Under Lights

On June 24, 1935, the first widely reported professional baseball game played under permanent electric lights took place, marking a turning point in how and when the sport could be staged for paying audiences.

Player Suspended After Biting Incident During Match

A professional soccer player was banned following an on-field incident in which they bit an opponent during a match on June 24, 2014. Disciplinary authorities imposed a suspension after reviewing video evidence and match reports.