Comet C/1996 B2 (Hyakutake) approaches within 0.1018 AUs of Earth on this day.
The European Union's Veterinarian Committee banned the export of British beef and its by-products as a result of "mad cow disease" (BSE).
On February 1 several observers had began to view this comet. It was described as very diffuse, with magnitude estimates ranging from 8.9 to 11.7. Experienced observers estimated the coma as 2.5 to 3 arc minutes across, with a bright, near-stellar central condensation.
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A catastrophic environmental and industrial accident occurred at the Marcopper mine on Marinduque island, causing significant ecological damage and potential long-term environmental consequences.
"Showgirls" wins the16th Golden Raspberry Awards:
In 30 years of mining under Placer Dome's management, Marinduquenos endured one mining-related environmental disaster after another.
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The Republic of China on Taiwan holds its historic first direct presidential election, with incumbent Lee Teng-hui being re-elected, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's democratic development.
It was the first direct presidential election in Taiwan, officially the Republic of China.
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STS-76 (Atlantis 16) launched on this day at 08:13:04 UTC from Kennedy Space Centre, launch pad 39B. Cheryl Depew of Florida crowned 13th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International and Capcom released the ground-breaking Resident Evil game for the PlayStation in the United State
STS-76 lasted over 9 days, travelled about 6,100,000 km (3,800,000 mi) while orbiting Earth an estimated 145 times, and then landed at 13:28:57 UTC on 31 March 1996 at Edwards Air Force Base, runway 22.
Capcom released the ground-breaking Resident Evil game for the PlayStation in the United States, effectively creating and defining the survival-horror video game genre.
Cheryl Depew of Florida crowned 13th Miss Hawaiian Tropic International.