Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
January 28 Wednesday, January 28, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on January 28 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
2
Holidays
1724
Science 302 years ago
The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Peter the Great, and implemented by Senate decree. It is called the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences until 1917.
The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg by Peter the Great, establishing Russia's first state-sponsored scientific institution.
History
What happened on January 28
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 98World history
On the death of Nerva, Trajan is declared Roman emperor in Cologne, the seat of his government in lower Germany.
Trajan is declared Roman emperor in Cologne, becoming the first emperor from outside Italy.
- 814European history
The death of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor, brings about the accession of his son Louis the Pious as ruler of the Frankish Empire.
Louis the Pious succeeds his father Charlemagne as ruler of the Frankish Empire.
- 1069UK history
Robert de Comines, appointed Earl of Northumbria by William the Conqueror, rides into Durham, England, where he is defeated and killed by rebels. This incident leads to the Harrying of the North.
Robert de Comines, appointed Earl of Northumbria by William the Conqueror, is defeated and killed in Durham by rebels, precipitating the Harrying of the North.
- 1077European history
Walk to Canossa: The excommunication of Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, is lifted after he humbles himself before Pope Gregory VII at Canossa in Italy.
Henry IV, humbled and barefoot, secures the lifting of his excommunication from Pope Gregory VII at Canossa.
- 1393Royalty
King Charles VI of France is nearly killed when several other dancers' costumes catch fire during a masquerade ball in Paris.
A masquerade ball in Paris nearly claims the life of King Charles VI when multiple dancers' costumes ignite.
- 1521European history
The Diet of Worms begins, lasting until May 25.
Martin Luther appears before Emperor Charles V to defend his religious beliefs and writings.
- 1573European history
Articles of the Warsaw Confederation are signed, sanctioning freedom of religion in Poland.
The Warsaw Confederation articles are signed, establishing religious tolerance in Poland.
- 1624UK history
Sir Thomas Warner founds the first British colony in the Caribbean, on the island of Saint Kitts.
Sir Thomas Warner establishes the first permanent English colony in the Caribbean on the island of Saint Kitts.
- 1671US history
Original city of Panama (founded in 1519) is destroyed by a fire when privateer Henry Morgan sacks and sets fire to it. The site of the previously devastated city is still in ruins (see Panama Viejo).
Henry Morgan destroys the original city of Panama with a fire during his raid, leaving the site in ruins known today as Panama Viejo.
- 1724Science
The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Peter the Great, and implemented by Senate decree. It is called the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences until 1917.
The Russian Academy of Sciences is founded in St. Petersburg by Peter the Great, establishing Russia's first state-sponsored scientific institution.
- 1754UK history
Sir Horace Walpole coins the word serendipity in a letter to a friend.
Sir Horace Walpole coins the word "serendipity" in a letter to a friend, describing an aptitude for finding意外打断了，请继续。Sir Horace Walpole coins the word "serendipity" in a letter to a friend, describing an aptitude for discovering pleasant things by accident.
- 1851US history
Northwestern University becomes the first chartered university in Illinois.
Northwestern University receives its charter from the Illinois General Assembly, becoming the first chartered university in the state.
Born today
Famous birthdays on January 28
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 24
Tabyana Ali
American actress and author
Tabyana Ali, an American actress and author known for roles in "New Girl," "Shimmer and Shine," and "General Hospital," turns 23 today.
Born
2002
Turns 24
today
Giovanni Alfonso Borelli
Italian physiologist and physicist
1608 – 1679
José Martí
Cuban journalist, poet, and theorist
1853 – 1895
Kathleen Lonsdale
Irish crystallographer and 1st female FRS
1903 – 1971
Gregg Popovich
American basketball player and coach
b. 1949 · 77
David Lawrence
English cricketer
1964 – 2025
Maluma
Colombian singer-songwriter, rapper, and actor
b. 1994 · 32
Music
The number one songs on January 28
Across the years Full chart history
Also #1 on this day
- 2026"End of Beginning"— Djo
- 2025"That's So True"— Gracie Abrams
- 2024"Stick Season"— Noah Kahan
- 2023"Flowers"— Miley Cyrus
- 2022"We Don't Talk About Bruno"— Carolina Gaitán , Mauro Castillo , Adassa , Rhenzy Feliz , Diane Guerrero and Stephanie Beatriz
- 2021"Drivers License"— Olivia Rodrigo
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport January 28, 1938
The World Land Speed Record on a public road is broken by Rudolf Caracciola in the Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen at a speed of 432.7 kilometres per hour (268.9 mph).
Rudolf Caracciola sets the World Land Speed Record on a public road with the Mercedes-Benz W125 Rekordwagen at 432.7 kilometres per hour.
Read the story
🔬 Science January 28, 1986
Space Shuttle Challenger breaks apart 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members
The disaster occurred when an O-ring seal in the right solid rocket booster failed due to cold temperatures. The crew included teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was selected for the Teacher in Space Project.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
2 celebrated today
Army Day (Armenia)
International
Army Day is a public holiday in Armenia and previously also in the Republic of Artsakh celebrated on 28 January
Data Privacy Day
International
Data Privacy Day is an international event that occurs every year on 28 January
❝
The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.
— Thomas Jefferson · born January 28, 1743