What happened in November 1986?
The top front-page story of each day in November 1986, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Nov 1💡 Economic Cooperation Agreement – The U.S. and Japan announced a broad agreement to coordinate economic policies, aiming to bolster both economies ahead of elections.
- Nov 2🏛️ Matisse Exhibition Opens – The National Gallery of Art in Washington opens a major exhibition on Henri Matisse's early years in Nice, showcasing his vibrant works until March 29.
- Nov 3🏆 Becker Wins Paris Open – Boris Becker won his third consecutive tournament, defeating Sergio Casal 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in the Paris Open final.
- Nov 4🌍 Mozambique Gets New President – Joaquim A. Chissano was named President of Mozambique today, succeeding the late Samora Machel.
- Nov 5🚀 NASA Challenger Warning – A NASA official advised against the Challenger shuttle launch due to ice hazards on the pad, according to a Congressional report.
- Nov 6🛰 NASA Restructures Shuttle – NASA announced a new management structure to strengthen the space shuttle program after flaws were discovered post-Challenger disaster.
- Nov 7🔬 Tobacco Plants Glow – Genetically altered tobacco plants emit light due to a gene from fireflies, marking a significant scientific breakthrough.
- Nov 8🌍 Gandhi Forms Kashmir Government – Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi joined a political foe to form a new government in the Muslim-majority state of Kashmir.
- Nov 9🏖️ Beach Erosion Aid – A multibillion-dollar water resources bill may allocate over $100 million for sand to combat beach erosion in Westhampton Beach.
- Nov 10⚛️ Chernobyl Reactor Restarted – A second Chernobyl reactor, shut down after the nuclear disaster, has been restarted for tests, according to Soviet press reports.
- Nov 11🌍 Chemical Spill Disaster – A massive chemical spill in the Rhine River has caused significant ecological damage across four European countries.
- Nov 12🛰️ Astronomers Map Heavens – Scientists prepare to create the first detailed map of the heavens in over 35 years, charting galaxies and stars.
- Nov 13🌊 Rhine Poisoning Incident – Scientists report 185 miles of the Rhine River suffered serious ecological damage from a chemical spill.
- Nov 14🚀 U.S. Launches Satellite – A $13 million Air Force satellite, previously a museum piece, was launched to enhance communications between ground stations and spacecraft.
- Nov 15🌍 Acid Rain Measurement – University Patents Inc. announced a new invention for measuring pollutants causing acid rain, patented by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania.
- Nov 16🌊 Helmsman Saved After Collision – A collision between two Australian boats in the America's Cup trials resulted in a helmsman being tossed overboard and a hole in his boat.
- Nov 17🌋 Volcano Erupts in Japan – An island volcano erupted for the first time in 12 years, shooting molten lava hundreds of feet into the air, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency.
- Nov 18🦖 Dinosaur Fossils Discovered – The first dinosaur fossils were found in Antarctica, confirming that dinosaurs were a global phenomenon.
- Nov 19🖼️ Mondrian Painting Auctioned – Mondrian's 'Composition in a Square With Red Corner' sold for a record price at Sotheby's, marking a significant moment in art history.
- Nov 20🛳️ Whaling Ships Refloated – Salvagers have raised and refloated two whaling ships scuttled in Reykjavik harbor by environmental activists.
- Nov 21🌍 Global AIDS Initiative – The World Health Organization launched a coordinated global effort to combat AIDS, calling it a health disaster of pandemic proportions.
- Nov 22🐋 Blue Whales Sighted – Dozens of blue whales appeared unexpectedly in Monterey Bay, astonishing researchers and highlighting the species' presence.
- Nov 23🦃 Turkey's Bright Future – Fred Jaindl praises the turkey's potential for growth, highlighting its low fat and cholesterol content.
- Nov 24🪙 Silver Coin Sales Begin – The U.S. Mint starts selling American Eagle silver bullion coins, anticipating high demand following the success of gold coins.
- Nov 25🔬 Cloud of Aluminum Detected – German astrophysicists report finding a massive cloud of radioactive aluminum in the Milky Way's core, sparking scientific debate.
- Nov 26🌊 Trans-Atlantic Fiber-Optic – Engineers are assembling the first trans-Atlantic underwater fiber-optic cable, set to revolutionize data communications by 1988.
- Nov 27🫀 New Hearts Transplanted – An Arizona woman received an artificial heart, while an Indiana man received a donor heart, marking significant medical achievements.
- Nov 28🎨 Argentina Divorce Ban Voided – Argentina's Supreme Court declared a 98-year-old law barring divorce unconstitutional, marking a significant change in family law.
- Nov 29🌍 Museum Opening in Paris – The Orsay Museum, a significant cultural addition to France, will be inaugurated by President Francois Mitterrand next week.
- Nov 30🏛️ Stay for Homeless Nativity – A judge allowed a statue of a homeless family to remain at the Capitol, supporting advocates for the homeless.
Happy Birthday! 1986 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1986 in real headlines. See the 1986 book →
Born in November? Pick the day
Every birthday in November has its own On This Day in Headlines book: