NASA launched its Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers mission (AMPTE) from the Cape Canaveral launch pad.
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The world's first colored cartoon with synchronized sound was released.
The Junkers Ju 287, the first jet with forward-swept wings, made its first flight.
The first issue of Sports Illustrated magazine is published.
Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly swim in a record 50:58 at the Beijing Olympic finals.
Nikephoros II Phokas was crowned emperor of the Byzantine Empire.
