News
The US Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrates 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven aboard. The disaster is seen live in schools across the US as the crew included elementary teacher Christa McCauliffe.
1986 Context: News, Entertainment, Lifestyle
News
A nuclear reactor at Chernobyl, Ukraine (part of the USSR in 1986) explodes and releases radioactive material across parts of Europe. Over one hundred thousand people living within an 18 mile radius of the plant are evacuated. The damaged reactor is eventually sealed, but the city of Chernobyl is abandoned due to high radiation levels.
News:
Halley's Comet visits our solar system for the first time in 75 years. It is the first time we are able to observe and study a comet from space. The comet will visit us next in 2061.
Television
The Chicago based Oprah Winfrey Show is syndicated nationally for the first time in September 1986. The show becomes the highest rated daytime talk show in the US and airs for 25 seasons.
Advertising
GT Freestyle bike advertisement featuring BMX star Martin Aparijo.
Advertising
A 1986 advertisement for Sears.
Advertising
1986 advertisement for L.A. Gear sportswear.
Advertising
The Chicago Bull's Michael Jordan in an advertisement for the Nike Air Jordan 1 released in 1986.
Advertising
Beefeaters Gin print advertisement detail.
Advertising
Casio print advertisement for the AZ1 Keytar.
Fashion
Jordache Jeans advertisement showing the 80's craze for acid washed denim.
Fashion
1986 advertisement in American Vogue for La Blanca swimwear.
Fashion
Detail from a 1986 Esprit catalog.
Fashion
Detail from an Elle Magazine ad for Pierre Cardin.
Fashion
Detail from a Bravo Jeans advertisement.
Fashion
Photo from a 1986 J.Crew catalog showing the popular "preppy" look.
Movie
The film Top Gun, an action drama starring Tom Cruise and Kelly Mc Gillis, is the number one US box office hit in 1986.
Movie
Writer/director John Hughes continues his success with another teen comedy film - Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Shot in Chicago, the film stars Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara and Alan Ruck.
Television
Pee Wee's Playhouse debuts on CBS Saturday mornings. The show is created by Paul Reubens, who plays Pee Wee, and airs until 1990.
Television
The Philadelphia based, syndicated television show Dance Party USA debuts on the USA Cable Network in 1986.
Lifestyle
High school teens pose in 1986.
Lifestyle
Newark, New Jersey high school girls outside school.
Lifestyle
Teenagers clowning around in Bountiful, Utah.
Lifestyle
High school students in Saint Paula, California.