Pope John Paul II established World Youth Day, an event for young Christians around the world.
The film 'The Color Purple,' based on the novel by Alice Walker, directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in New York.
NASA's Challenger Space Shuttle launched for its final successful mission, STS-61-A.
Steven Spielberg's anthology series, 'Amazing Stories,' premiered on NBC-TV.
Hurricane Gloria finally dissipated after ripping through North Eastern US since September 16.
The Mexico City earthquake claimed the lives of up to 45,000 people.
The American sitcom 'The Golden Girls' premiered on NBC.
Super Mario Bros was released for the Nintendo Family Computer in Japan.
The Handsworth riots began in Birmingham, England, after a man was arrested near Acapulco Café, Lozells.
Richard Branson's attempt at obtaining the fastest Atlantic crossing ended when his speed boat crashed.
A three-year-old boy from Dublin became the world's youngest heart and lung transplant patient.
The National Space Development Agency of Japan selected Mamoru Mohri, Chiaki Mukai, and Takao Doi as Japan’s first astronauts.
The Live Aid concert raised funds and awareness for famine relief efforts in Africa.
'Back to the Future' was released in US theaters.
The Discovery Channel started broadcasting.
Sultan bin Salman Al Saud became the first Arab and the first Muslim to fly into space.
Russian spacecraft Vega 2 landed on Venus.
Soviet Space Program's Vega 1, which was launched on December 15, 1984, released a space probe to enter Venus.
After his first year with the Chicago Bulls, Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year.
Germany banned the denial of Nazi genocide against Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Coca-Cola launched their ill-fated new formula known unofficially as 'New Coke.'
Pope John Paul II proclaimed the day as the first-ever World Youth Day.
Spin magazine first hit the shelves, featuring Madonna on the cover.
The 'Night Stalker' serial killer, Richard Ramirez, committed his second and third murders in LA, USA.
The very first .com domain was registered.
Whitney Houston's self-titled album was released.
New York, New York became the official anthem of New York City.
Margaret Thatcher became the first post-war prime minister who was refused a degree.
A Scandinavian research collaboration created the first-ever internet domain name Nordu.net.
