Comet C/1996 B2 (Hyakutake) approaches within 0.1018 AUs of Earth on this day.
The European Union's Veterinarian Committee banned the export of British beef and its by-products as a result of "mad cow disease" (BSE).
On February 1 several observers had began to view this comet. It was described as very diffuse, with magnitude estimates ranging from 8.9 to 11.7. Experienced observers estimated the coma as 2.5 to 3 arc minutes across, with a bright, near-stellar central condensation.
**"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
A catastrophic environmental and industrial accident occurred at the Marcopper mine on Marinduque island, causing significant ecological damage and potential long-term environmental consequences.
"Showgirls" wins the16th Golden Raspberry Awards:
In 30 years of mining under Placer Dome's management, Marinduquenos endured one mining-related environmental disaster after another.
**"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
The Republic of China on Taiwan holds its historic first direct presidential election, with incumbent Lee Teng-hui being re-elected, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's democratic development.
It was the first direct presidential election in Taiwan, officially the Republic of China.
*******"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
STS-76 (Atlantis 16) launched on this day at 08:13:04 UTC from Kennedy Space Centre, launch pad 39B. Cheryl Depew of Florida crowned 13th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International and Capcom released the ground-breaking Resident Evil game for the PlayStation in the United State
STS-76 lasted over 9 days, travelled about 6,100,000 km (3,800,000 mi) while orbiting Earth an estimated 145 times, and then landed at 13:28:57 UTC on 31 March 1996 at Edwards Air Force Base, runway 22.
Capcom released the ground-breaking Resident Evil game for the PlayStation in the United States, effectively creating and defining the survival-horror video game genre.
Cheryl Depew of Florida crowned 13th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International.
Revival of Tennessee Williams' stage drama "Night of the Iguana", starring William Petersen and Marsha Mason, opens at Criterion Theatre, NYC; and runs for 68 performances
This theatrical production showcased Williams' complex character study exploring themes of human vulnerability, desire, and redemption.