The solar system's largest known dwarf planet is discovered. The discovery of Eris ultimately led to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) downgrading the status of Pluto, which is roughly the same size, to a dwarf planet.

The MV Braer runs aground on the coast of the Shetland Islands. The oil tanker spilled twice as much crude oil as the Exxon Valdez in 1989.

The Prague Spring begins. The period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia began with the election of Alexander Dubček as the country's leader.

Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the best-known symbols of the United States.

Alfred Dreyfus is sentenced to life imprisonment. The French artillery officer was accused of treason. He was later exonerated.