In 1742 English astronomer, mathematician and physicist Edmond Halley dies. He devoted his work primarily to the study of comets. The Halley's Comet is named after him.

In 1882 in London English writer Virginia Woolf is born. She was one of the foremost modernist literary figures of the 20th century. In 1941 she committed suicide. Her best known novels are Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse.

In 1918 at the all Russian congress of workers and military envoys the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic is established.

In 1947 the most renowned mafia boss from Chicago, Al Capone, dies.

In 1977 in the Pyrenees the first solar energy power plant goes into operation.

In 1924 in France's Chamonix the first Winter Olympic Games are organised.

1975 - The Carpenters are at No. 1 on the American singles chart with 'Please Mr. Postman'.
1975 - The Tymes are No. 1 on the British charts with the song 'Ms Grace'.
1986 – Norwegian group A-Ha is No. 1 on the British singles chart with 'The Sun Always Shines on TV.'
1992 - Wet Wet Wet are at the top of the British charts with their song ‘Goodnight Girl'.

BORN ON THIS DAY
1938 - American soul, R&B, gospel, jazz singer Etta James ('At last').
1980 - Alicia Keys, American R&B and soul singer ('Empire state').