Discover · History

On this day — August 9

A hand-curated thread of what happened on this date, across centuries.

2024

Milestone

Voepass Linhas Aéreas Flight 2283 crashes near Vinhedo

São Paulo, killing all 62 people on board.

2021

Milestone

The Tampere light rail officially starts operating.

2014

Milestone

Michael Brown

an 18-year-old African American male in Ferguson, Missouri, is shot and killed by a Ferguson police officer after reportedly assaulting the officer and attempting to steal his weapon, sparking protests and unrest in the city.

2013

Disaster

Gunmen open fire at a Sunni mosque in the city of Quetta killing at least ten people and injuring 30.

2012

Sport

Shannon Eastin becomes the first woman to officiate an NFL game.

2007

Milestone

Air Moorea Flight 1121 crashes after takeoff from Moorea Airport in French Polynesia

killing all 20 people on board.

2006

Milestone

At least 21 suspected terrorists are arrested in the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot that happened in the United Kingdom. The arrests are made in London, Birmingham, and High Wycombe in an overnight operation.

1999

Politics

Russian president Boris Yeltsin fires his prime minister

Sergei Stepashin, and for the fourth time fires his entire cabinet.

1995

Disaster

Aviateca Flight 901 crashes into the San Vicente volcano in El Salvador

killing all 65 people on board.

1993

Milestone

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan loses a 38-year hold on national leadership.

1991

Milestone

The Italian prosecuting magistrate Antonino Scopelliti is murdered by the 'Ndrangheta on behalf of the Sicilian Mafia while preparing the government's case in the final appeal of the Maxi Trial.

1974

Politics

As a direct result of the Watergate scandal

Richard Nixon becomes the first president of the United States to resign from office. Vice President Gerald Ford becomes president.

1973

Milestone

Mars 7 is launched from the USSR.

1971

Milestone

The Troubles: In Northern Ireland, the British authorities launch Operation Demetrius

The operation involves the mass arrest and internment without trial of individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Irish Republican Army (PIRA). Mass riots follow, and thousands of people flee or are forced out of their homes.

1970

Milestone

LANSA Flight 502 crashes after takeoff from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco

Peru, killing 99 of the 100 people on board, as well as two people on the ground.