What happend on 2nd January

01.01
03.01
2004

Stardust successfully flies past Comet Wild 2, collecting samples that it will return to Earth two years later.

2002

Levy Mwanawasa takes office as the third President of Zambia.

1999

A brutal snowstorm smashes into the Midwestern USA, causing 14 inches (359mm) of snow at Milwaukee, Wisconsin and 19 inches (487mm) at Chicago, Illinois. In Chicago, temperatures plunge to -13°F (-25°C), and 68 deaths are reported.

1998

Russia begins to circulate new rubles to stem inflation and promote confidence.

1993

Leaders of the three warring factions in Bosnia meet to discuss peace plans.

1992

Paraguay becomes a member of the Berne Convention copyright treaty.

1991

Sharon Pratt Dixon is sworn in as mayor of Washington, DC becoming the first African American woman to lead a city of that size and importance.

1983

The musical Annie is performed for the last time after 2,377 shows at the Uris Theatre on Broadway.

1981

Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper, is arrested.

1979

Sid Vicious goes on trial for the murder of Nancy Spungen.