A large asteroid just misses the Earth. 2002 MN, a 73-meter lump, was three times closer to Earth than the Moon. It was first discovered three days after its closest approach.

The Falklands War ends. After 74 days of fighting, British troops captured the capital, Stanley, prompting the Argentine forces to surrender and return the islands to British control.

Albert II becomes the first monkey in space. The rhesus monkey was one of several animals used for testing purposes before sending humans into space. Albert II survived his ascent to 134 km (83 mi) altitude but died on his return to Earth due to a parachute failure.

German troops occupy Paris. The fall of Paris marked the end of Germany's attacks on the western front. In the Armistice of Compiègne, three-fifths of France was declared occupied.

Alcock and Brown take off for the first non-stop transatlantic flight. The British aviators began their journey in St. John's, Newfoundland and reached Galway in Ireland less than 16 hours later. One month earlier, Albert Cushing Read flew across the Atlantic, but his flight included a stop in the Azores Islands.