1839CE
Science
First Photograph of the Moon
French photographer Louis Daguerre took the first photograph of the Moon, marking an early milestone in astrophotography.
Daily Chronicle
January 3
4 Historical Records
1892CE
Birth
J.R.R. Tolkien Born
English writer, poet, and academic, best known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He is widely considered the father of modern fantasy literature and served as a professor of English at Oxford University.
1959CE
Politics
Alaska Becomes the 49th State
President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Alaska into the Union as the 49th state of the United States.
1990CE
War
Noriega Surrenders to US
Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega surrendered to US forces after taking refuge in the Vatican embassy in Panama City.