The first God of War game was released for the PlayStation 2 to the North American market.
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The super-bright comet 'Hale-Bopp' reached its closest point to Earth at a distance of 1.215 AU, making it visible to the naked eye.
America built the first rocket to reach an altitude of 50 miles (80 km).
The Beatles released their very first album, 'Please Please Me.'
The New York Horticultural Society was founded.
Aston Villa's director, William McGregor, formed the English Football League.