Arthur Schawlow & Charles Townes was granted the first patent for a laser.
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The Spanish National Assembly officially abolished slavery in Puerto Rico.
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.
Four people died, and at least twenty were injured in a terrorist attack near the Houses of Parliament in London.
The New York Horticultural Society was founded.
The first God of War game was released for the PlayStation 2 to the North American market.
