What Happened on January 28?

January 28 honors the seven Challenger astronauts whose courage changed spaceflight safety forever, and marks a reporter's race around the world and America's first national monument.

• 1813 — Jane Austen publishes Pride and Prejudice

  A 37-year-old English novelist sold the copyright of her second book for £110 — and created one of the most beloved novels ever written. Read the full story →

• 1958 — The modern LEGO brick is patented

  Danish toymaker Godtfred Kirk Christiansen patented the little studded plastic brick whose clutching design still works with bricks made today. Read the full story →

• 1986 — We remember the seven astronauts of Space Shuttle Challenger

  Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Their legacy made flying safer for every astronaut who followed. Read the full story →

• 1878 — America's first commercial telephone exchange opens

  The New Haven District Telephone Company opened the country's first commercial telephone switchboard in Connecticut, connecting about 21 customers by hand. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Jackson Pollock (1912–1956) · Colette (1873–1954) · Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982)

Days & observances

Day of Remembrance for the Challenger crew