On this day — January 12

Cameroon.

Romania, as two-day-old demonstrations continue against President Traian Băsescu's economic austerity measures. Clashes are reported in numerous Romanian cities between protesters and law enforcement officers.

killing between 220,000 and 300,000 people and destroying much of the capital Port-au-Prince.

one of the brightest comets ever observed is at its zenith visible during the day.

Saudi Arabia, kills at least 362 Muslim pilgrims.

RMS Queen Mary 2, makes its maiden voyage.

California.

Atlantis launches from the Kennedy Space Center on mission STS-81 to the Russian space station Mir, carrying astronaut Jerry M. Linenger for a four-month stay on board the station, replacing astronaut John E. Blaha.

Congress authorizes the use of American military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.

Azerbaijan, during which Armenians were beaten, tortured, murdered, and expelled from the city.

Congressman and future NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lifts off from Kennedy Space Center aboard Columbia on mission STS-61-C as a payload specialist.