On this day in conspiracies

The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite. The shock triggers an American scramble for prestige and capability in space and sharpens military interest in reaching the Moon before the Soviets do.

At roughly 11:20 pm Atlantic time, multiple people in and around Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia, report a low-flying object with lights descending toward the water. Several hear a whistling or roaring sound followed by a bang or splash. Witnesses include local residents and, separately, an RCMP constable traveling on the coastal highway.

Over the same days in Switzerland, 23 people die at a farmhouse in Cheiry, in canton Fribourg, many shot, and 25 more die in burning chalets at Salvan, in canton Valais, from poison, gunshots, and fire. Both Di Mambro and Jouret are among the Salvan dead. With Quebec, 53 die in this first wave.