The past leaves a trace.

Soviet space mission Luna 21 is launched.

Soviet space mission Luna 21 is launched.

Luna 21 was an uncrewed space mission, and its spacecraft, of the Luna program, also called Lunik 21, in 1973. The spacecraft landed on the Moon and deployed the second Soviet lunar rover, Lunokhod 2. The primary objectives of the mission were to collect images of the lunar surface, examine ambient light levels to determine the feasibility of astronomical observations from the Moon, perform laser ranging experiments from Earth, observe solar X-rays, measure local magnetic fields, and study mechanical properties of the lunar surface material.

Birth of Shirley Bassey

Born: Shirley Bassey, Welsh singer.

Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey is a Welsh singer, known for her career longevity, powerful voice and recording the theme songs to three James Bond films – the only artist to perform more than one officially. Bassey is one of the most popular vocalists in Britain.

George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.

George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.

George Washington was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. As commander of the Continental Army, Washington led Patriot forces to victory in the American Revolutionary War against the British Empire. He is commonly known as the Father of His Country for his role in bringing about American independence.

The premiere of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante takes place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

The premiere of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante takes place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

George Frideric Handel was a German-British Baroque composer well-known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concerti.

The first Lithuanian-language book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas, is published in Königsberg.

The first Lithuanian-language book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas, is published in Königsberg.

Lithuanian is an East Baltic language belonging to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family. It is the language of Lithuanians and the official language of Lithuania as well as one of the official languages of the European Union. There are approximately 2.8 million native Lithuanian speakers in Lithuania and about 1.5 million speakers elsewhere. Around half a million inhabitants of Lithuania of non-Lithuanian background speak Lithuanian daily as a second language.

Death of Athelm

Died: Athelm, archbishop of Canterbury.

Athelm was an English churchman, who was the first Bishop of Wells, and later Archbishop of Canterbury. His translation, or moving from one bishopric to another, was a precedent for later translations of ecclesiastics, because prior to this time period such movements were considered illegal. While archbishop, Athelm crowned King Æthelstan, and perhaps wrote the coronation service for the event. He was the uncle of Dunstan, a later Archbishop of Canterbury, Athelm helped promote Dunstan's early career. After Athelm's death, he was considered a saint, with his feast day being on 8 January.

Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings.

Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings.

Sima Chi becomes emperor of the Jin dynasty in succession to his brother, Sima Zhong, despite a challenge…

Sima Chi becomes emperor of the Jin dynasty in succession to his brother, Sima Zhong, despite a challenge from his other brother, Sima Ying.

Emperor Huai of Jin, personal name Sima Chi , courtesy name Fengdu , was an emperor of the Jin dynasty.