The first exoplanets are discovered. Polish astronomer Aleksander Wolszczan announced that he found two planets orbiting the pulsar PSR 1257+12.

Dictator Georgios Papadopoulos assumes power in Greece. During his six-year reign, thousands of political opponents were incarcerated and tortured.

The Surgeon's photo, allegedly showing the Loch Ness Monster, is published in the Daily Mail. In reality, the famous image depicts a toy submarine with a head and neck made of wood putty.

The Red Baron is killed. Manfred von Richthofen was a legendary German fighter pilot. He earned his renown and nickname by achieving 80 air combat victories in World War I. He was shot down and killed during combat at the age of 25.

Henry VIII is crowned King of England. In popular culture, the monarch is known mainly for his six marriages, two of which ended with the wife's execution.