January 28th: A Day of Triumphs, Tragedies, and Technological Milestones

January 28th may appear to be just another winter’s day in the Northern Hemisphere or a summer’s afternoon down under, but history tells a far richer story. This date marks moments of great discovery, national reflection, and heartbreak, etched into the memory of science, politics, and culture.

🗓️ January 28th in the Calendar

In the Gregorian calendar, January 28th is the 28th day of the year, with 337 days remaining (338 in a leap year). It often sits in the deep chill of mid-winter in Europe, Asia, and North America—though in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s peak summertime, aligning with festivals, holidays, and national events.

In the Julian calendar, still used for liturgical purposes by some Orthodox Christian communities, January 28th corresponds to February 10th on the Gregorian calendar.

🧑‍🚀 1986 – The Challenger Space Shuttle Disaster

One of the most tragic and sobering events in space exploration occurred on January 28, 1986, when the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart just 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members onboard. Among them was Christa McAuliffe, a civilian schoolteacher selected for the mission, making the event especially poignant for educators and students worldwide.

The disaster shocked the globe and prompted a deep reevaluation of NASA’s safety protocols and engineering standards. It remains a somber reminder of the risks involved in pushing the boundaries of human achievement.

🇨🇿 1918 – Founding of Czechoslovakia’s First National Council

On January 28, 1918, the Czechoslovak National Council was established in Paris. This was a crucial step toward the eventual independence of Czechoslovakia from the Austro-Hungarian Empire following the end of World War I. Under the leadership of Tomáš Masaryk, the council helped gain international recognition for the creation of a sovereign Czechoslovak state, which formally came into existence later that year on October 28.

📡 1958 – Creation of the LEGO Brick

The now-iconic LEGO brick was officially patented on January 28, 1958. The design—featuring the familiar interlocking studs and tubes—remains compatible with bricks made today, highlighting its enduring simplicity and ingenuity. Created by Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen and developed by his son Godtfred, LEGO has since become one of the world’s most beloved toys, celebrated for encouraging imagination, design thinking, and engineering skills.

💻 2002 – The Birth of “The Axis of Evil” Speech

On this date, U.S. President George W. Bush delivered his State of the Union address in which he referred to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as an “Axis of Evil”. The phrase shaped global geopolitics in the early 21st century, marking a pivotal moment in the post-9/11 political landscape. The speech laid the rhetorical groundwork for the Iraq War and a new era of American foreign policy.

⚔️ 1871 – France Ends the Franco-Prussian War

On January 28, 1871, France signed an armistice with Prussia, effectively ending the Franco-Prussian War. The defeat of France led to the fall of Napoleon III, the proclamation of the German Empire at the Palace of Versailles, and the loss of Alsace-Lorraine—sparking decades of animosity that fed into World War I.

🧪 1807 – London’s Pall Mall Lit by Gas for the First Time

British engineer Frederick Albert Winsor demonstrated the power of gas lighting on January 28, 1807, by illuminating Pall Mall in London. It was the first street in the world to be lit by gaslight—ushering in a revolution in urban infrastructure and transforming city life after dark.

📜 Other Notable Events on January 28th

1547 – Henry VIII of England dies. He is succeeded by his 9-year-old son, Edward VI.
1935 – Iceland becomes the first country to legalize abortion under specific conditions, paving the way for reproductive rights.
1956 – Elvis Presley makes his first appearance on national U.S. television (Dorsey Brothers Stage Show), launching his path to global stardom.

🎂 Famous Birthdays on January 28th

Henry VII (1457) – Founder of the Tudor dynasty in England.
Colette (1873) – French novelist best known for Gigi, later adapted into an Oscar-winning film.
Jackson Pollock (1912) – Revolutionary American abstract expressionist painter.
Alan Alda (1936) – American actor known for his role in MASH* and advocacy for science communication.
Nick Carter (1980) – American singer and member of the Backstreet Boys.

🕯️ Notable Deaths

Charlemagne (814) – First Holy Roman Emperor, often called the “Father of Europe.”
John Barclay (1621) – Scottish satirist and neo-Latin poet.
Astronauts of Challenger STS-51-L (1986) – Including Francis Scobee, Judith Resnik, and Christa McAuliffe.

🌟 Did You Know?

The LEGO Group produces over 36 billion LEGO bricks each year—around 1140 bricks every second!
The Challenger disaster was broadcast live on television, making it one of the most widely witnessed tragedies in modern history.
Gas lighting, demonstrated in 1807, became so popular that by the mid-19th century, most major European cities were lit by gas.

🌍 Keep Coming Back to Earth Site’s On This Day Series!

History comes alive when we explore the stories that shaped each day of the year. From soaring triumphs to solemn reflections, January 28th shows how even a single day can leave a lasting legacy. Join us again tomorrow as we uncover more surprising moments and historical gems in Earth Site’s On This Day series. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or curious reader, there’s always something new to discover! 🔍✨

1547 In 1547 King Henry VIII of England died in London.

King Henry VIII of England (1491–1547) remains one of the most fascinating and influential monarchs in history. Known for his larger-than-life personality, numerous marriages, and significant political and religious reforms, Henry’s reign (1509–1547) fundamentally shaped the course of English and European history.

Born on June 28, 1491, at Greenwich Palace, Henry was the second son of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Originally destined for a life in the church, Henry became heir to the throne after the unexpected death of his elder brother, Arthur, in 1502. He ascended to the throne in 1509 at the age of 17 following his father’s death, marrying his brother’s widow, Catherine of Aragon, shortly thereafter.

Henry VIII’s six marriages have become a defining aspect of his legacy, symbolizing his relentless quest for political alliances, male heirs, and personal satisfaction. His wives were:

Catherine of Aragon (1509–1533): The marriage ended in divorce after Catherine failed to produce a male heir. This divorce catalyzed the English Reformation.
Anne Boleyn (1533–1536): Executed on charges of treason, adultery, and incest, though many believe these charges were politically motivated.
Jane Seymour (1536–1537): Died shortly after giving birth to Henry’s only male heir, Edward VI.
Anne of Cleves (1540): The marriage was annulled after six months due to Henry’s dissatisfaction.
Catherine Howard (1540–1542): Executed for adultery and treason.
Catherine Parr (1543–1547): Outlived Henry and acted as a stabilizing influence in his later years.

One of Henry’s most significant achievements was his role in the English Reformation. Frustrated by the Pope’s refusal to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, Henry broke from the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England, appointing himself as its Supreme Head. This decision not only allowed him to marry Anne Boleyn but also led to widespread religious, social, and political upheaval. The dissolution of monasteries enriched the Crown but also displaced thousands and changed the religious landscape of England forever. Henry VIII invested heavily in military campaigns, particularly against France and Scotland, though his efforts often drained the royal treasury. He also expanded England’s naval power, earning him the title of "father of the English navy." Under his rule, iconic warships like the Mary Rose were constructed. Domestically, Henry centralized power, strengthened royal authority and implemented significant legal reforms.

Henry’s later years were marked by declining health, including obesity and chronic leg ulcers, which many historians attribute to his jousting accidents. He became increasingly paranoid and tyrannical, ordering the executions of both close advisors and former allies. Henry died on January 28, 1547, at the age of 55, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy. He was buried in Saint George’s Chapel, Windsor in the same tomb as his third wife Jane Seymour, who died 12 days after the birth of their son Edward (Henry’s only male heir). He became King Edward VI of England on this day aged nine.

King Henry VIII’s reign was one of transformation. His decisions not only reshaped the English monarchy but also left an indelible mark on religion, culture, and governance. While he is often remembered for his marriages and ruthless actions, his contributions to the development of a distinct English identity endure as a significant part of his historical legacy.

1964 In 1964 the Soviet Union shot down a United States Jet over East German airspace. The American jet strayed off course after pilots became disorientated during a violent storm; almost 100 miles off course, Russia believed it to be a deliberate flight plan and opened fire, killing the three US officers on board.

1968 In 1968, there was a Radiation alert at Thule Airbase in Greenland. This came a week after an American B-52 bomber carrying four hydrogen bombs (H-Bombs) crashed into the sea ice in North Star Bay. Fire broke out on the plane as it was due to land at the airbase causing six crew members to eject (one crew member had no ejector seat and consequently died trying to bail out. The crash happened on the 21^st of January 1968 but the United States didn’t inform the Danish government for 18 hours due to fears of political embarrassment. Although America maintained that the area was safe it took 700 men over nine months to clear the radioactive debris including 500 million gallons of snow. It was claimed that all four H-Bombs were recovered however in 2008 declassified documents obtained by the BBC under the US Freedom of Information Act, revealed that one of the bombs was still missing.

1973 In 1973 the cease-fire came into effect in Vietnam as of 8am local time (midnight on the 27^th GMT). This comes after peace talks between Dr Henry Kissinger, United States President Nixon’s assistant for National Security, and Vietnamese representative which took place first on the 15^th and then on the 23^rd of this month in 1973.

1986 In 1986 US space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after taking off, killing all seven astronauts on board. This was the worst space disaster in the world, doubling the death toll from 25 years of space exploration. The cause of the explosion was caused by a defective seal on one of the fuel tanks, which allowed hot gas to escape and cause structural damage. Forces from take-off caused the rocket/shuttle to break up, 73 seconds into flight. Casualties of the disaster were Commander Francis Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, mission specialists Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, payload specialist Greg Jarvis and high-school teacher Christa McAuliffe who was selected from 11,000 applicants to be part of the ‘NASA Teacher in Space Project’.