1

Roswell Incident (New Mexico, 1947)

It was July 1947 when something extraordinary happened near Roswell, New Mexico: a mysterious, large object crashed on a ranch outside the town. It wasn't an airplane, it wasn't a helicopter, it didn't resemble any known aircraft at the time. Interestingly, the military first described it as a "flying disc," only to later retract the statement and claim it was just a weather balloon. This shift caused endless theories and made Roswell perhaps the most famous UFO story of all time.

2

Kenneth Arnold Sighting (Washington, 1947)

No one knows the skies better than pilots, and in June 1947, one of them, Kenneth Arnold, saw something that would change the way we think about extraterrestrial life. According to his report, Arnold spotted nine bright objects moving near Mount Rainier, Washington. He described their flight as being like "a saucer skipping across water." That phrase would go on to coin the term "flying saucer," marking what many consider the beginning of the modern UFO era.

3

Washington, DC, Flap (1952)

Do you think UFO sightings only happen in rural or remote areas? Between July 12 and 29, 1952, something unexplainable occurred over Washington, DC. People in the US capital reported seeing mysterious objects moving randomly in the sky. But that wasn't all; pilots and even radar stations reported the same. While the US Air Force suggested that temperature might have affected radar performance, the sightings were never fully and clearly explained.

4

Kelly-Hopkinsville Encounter (Kentucky, 1955)

On August 21, 1955, two families in rural Kelly, Kentucky, experienced something straight out of their wildest nightmares. In the evening, a bright, fleeting light appeared in the sky. According to their reports to the police, the light was followed by the arrival of small creatures with large eyes and long arms, described as "little green men," who allegedly approached their homes and peered through the windows. Terrified, the families shot at them for nearly four hours, until the "little green men" finally seemed to disappear. When police arrived the next day, the houses were empty. According to neighbors, both families had packed up and left, saying the creatures had returned around 3 a.m.

5

Kecksburg UFO Incident (Pennsylvania, 1965)

We all know what to do when we see a shooting star: make a wish! But that was far from the reaction in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, where on December 9, 1965, residents watched what looked like a massive fireball streak across the night sky before crashing into a forest on the town’s outskirts. Some people rushed to the site and claimed they saw a large metallic object shaped like an acorn. The military arrived soon after and launched an investigation that suggested it may have been a meteor or space debris. But the doubters were not convinced, and the event sparked a wave of theories and speculation that continues to this day.

6

Coyne Helicopter Incident (Ohio, 1973)

On October 18, 1973, near Mansfield, Ohio, something occurred that would challenge even the most stubborn skeptics. Captain Lawrence Coyne was piloting a US Army Reserve helicopter when it was allegedly intercepted by a large, cigar-shaped craft flying erratically at high speed and emitting green and red lights. During the encounter, the helicopter suddenly ascended beyond Coyne’s control. People on the ground witnessed the event and later confirmed parts of the pilot’s account. To this day, the incident remains unexplained.

7

Cash–Landrum Incident (Texas, 1980)

The ’80s were a wild decade, and that even included alleged encounters with alien spacecraft! In December 1980, three people reported a terrifying experience while driving through Texas: they were suddenly forced to stop when a huge craft hovered over the highway. According to their account, the metallic object emitted bright lights and intense heat. Later, all three developed physical symptoms, including burns, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Medical reports suggested these effects were consistent with prolonged radiation exposure, although it could not be proven that the incident itself caused the symptoms.

8

Hudson Valley UFO Wave (New York, 1982-1986)

An isolated UFO sighting involving just a few people is one thing. But it’s quite another when, for years, hundreds of people report sightings in the same place with similar characteristics. We’re talking about New York’s Hudson Valley, where for several years (1982–1986), residents, police officers, and even pilots reported UFO sightings. Many described the same thing: a large craft with a V-shaped row of lights that moved strangely and flew very low, sometimes even approaching houses. While some skeptics claimed they were planes flying in formation, witnesses didn’t fully accept this explanation.

9

Phoenix Lights (Arizona, 1997)

If one person’s sighting seems hard to believe, maybe the testimony of thousands will convince you. In March 1997, one of the most famous UFO events witnessed by large groups occurred. Thousands of people reported seeing the same phenomenon in the skies over Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico: a formation of lights moving silently and strangely across the night sky. Even Fife Symington, the then-governor of Arizona, later claimed he had seen the lights himself.

10

O'Hare Airport Sighting (Illinois, 2006)

If your skepticism has lasted this long, the next story might make you rethink everything. In November 2006, a large group of pilots, mechanics, and airline staff spotted a metallic, disc-shaped object hovering above United Airlines Gate C17 at O’Hare International Airport just outside Chicago. Witnesses say the object punched a circular hole in the clouds before shooting off. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) initially called it a "meteorological phenomenon," but later-released ATC audio reveals tower and ground staff discussing the object in total confusion.

1

It was built for the Seattle World’s Fair

Image: Seattle Public Library, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

The Space Needle wasn’t supposed to be a permanent monument. It was completed in 1962 specifically for the Seattle World’s Fair, an event aimed to highlight science, technology, and forward-looking design. During the fair, the tower helped visitors orient themselves within the Seattle Center grounds and served as a central meeting point. After the fair ended, the building was not dismantled, as many other fair structures were. Instead, it remained open to the public and gradually became a regular part of the city’s skyline.

2

The original colors had distinctive Space Age names

Image: Thom Milkovic

When the Space Needle first opened, its paint scheme reflected the era’s optimism about technology and space exploration. The main tower was painted Astronaut White, while the central core used a darker tone called Orbital Olive. Accent areas were finished in Re-Entry Red, and the top featured a warm, yellow-orange color called Galaxy Gold . These names were officially used at the time and appeared in design documents and promotional materials. Although later renovations replaced this scheme with more neutral colors, the original palette shows how strongly the tower’s design was tied to early 1960s ideas about the future.

3

Elvis was there

Image: Courtney Hutchin

Not long after it opened, the Space Needle entered American pop culture. Elvis Presley filmed scenes at the tower for the movie It Happened at the World’s Fair , which was released in 1963. The filming took place shortly after the 1962 World’s Fair, when the structure was still new. At that time, many Americans had never traveled to Seattle, and television and movies were major sources of information about distant cities. Hence, the film helped introduce the Space Needle to a nationwide audience.

4

It was inspired by a UFO

Image: Patrick Hodskins

The building’s most recognizable feature, the round observation deck, was shaped with intention. Designers chose a wide, circular form that reflected the Space Age themes common in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At the time, images of spacecraft and flying saucers appeared often in popular magazines, films, and exhibitions. The Space Needle’s top was meant to echo those ideas in a way that was easy to recognize from a distance. This design helped distinguish the tower from older observation structures and aligned it closely with the forward-looking message of the World’s Fair.

5

It was built in 400 days

Image: Andy Li

Speed mattered. Construction began in 1961, and the entire tower was completed in roughly 400 days so it could open on time for the World’s Fair in 1962. This schedule required crews to work in carefully planned stages, with steel sections fabricated off-site and assembled quickly once delivered. Concrete for the foundation and core had to be poured and set on a tight timeline. Despite the fast pace, engineers followed existing building standards, and inspections were carried out to ensure the tower could safely handle weight, wind, and daily public use.

6

Forget the elevator, take the stairs

Image: HAYOUNG CHO

Most visitors take the elevator, but the Space Needle also has stairs, 848 of them, from the base to the observation level. The stairs are primarily used for maintenance and special events rather than daily tourist access. Structurally, the tower is held together by tens of thousands of bolts and rests on a deep concrete foundation. Engineers designed the foundation and central core to withstand high winds and seismic activity, which are common in the Pacific Northwest. These construction details are not visible to most visitors, but they play a key role in keeping the tower stable and open to the public year after year.

7

It harbored a secret time capsule from the 1980s

Image: Mick Haupt

In 1982, staff placed a time capsule inside one of the Space Needle’s steel beams without a public announcement. The capsule was sealed and left in place as part of a routine update, rather than a formal ceremony. It remained hidden for more than thirty years until it was rediscovered and opened in 2017. Inside were everyday items from the early 1980s, including handwritten letters, photographs, and postcards. Several of these items were saved and included in a new capsule, which is planned to be opened in 2062 to mark the tower’s 100th anniversary.

8

It was the site of a famous April Fools’ prank

Image: Ben Mater

In 1989, a local television station aired a report claiming the Space Needle had collapsed. The segment was intended as an April Fools’ joke and included on-screen text explaining that it was not real. Even so, many viewers did not notice the disclaimer or tuned in late. Emergency phone lines and the station’s own offices received hundreds of calls from concerned residents and relatives. The reaction showed how familiar and important the Space Needle had become to people in Seattle and beyond.

9

There’s a restaurant at the top

Image: Jason Dent

Dining has always been part of the Space Needle experience. A restaurant opened with the tower in 1962 and was designed to give guests a place to eat while overlooking the city. Over the years, the restaurant has changed names, seating arrangements, and menu styles to match new trends and renovations. Despite these updates, the basic idea has stayed the same. Visitors can order food or drinks and spend extended time at the top, rather than just stopping briefly to look out the windows. For many people, the combination of a meal and a wide city view defines the visit.

10

It has the world’s first and only revolving glass floor

Image: Morgan Petroski

A major renovation in 2018 introduced The Loupe, a rotating glass floor in the observation area. The platform moves slowly, allowing visitors to stand in one place while the view changes. Through the clear panels, people can look straight down at streets, buildings, and open spaces below. This is the only revolving glass floor of its kind in the world. The addition shows how the Space Needle continues to update its visitor experience while keeping its original structure intact.

1

Big Mac (McDonald's)

Image: amirali mirhashemian

Two beef patties, shredded lettuce, dill pickles, onions, cheddar cheese, and a special sauce, all topped with two seeded buns. That's the Big Mac, McDonald's flagship product and one of the world's best-selling fast food dishes.

The idea of the Big Mac as we know it today was originally conceived in the mid-1960s by entrepreneur Jim Delligatti, owner of one of the brand's first franchises. The name of the iconic burger, however, was suggested by a 21-year-old secretary working in McDonald's advertising department.

2

Classic Pretzel (Auntie Anne’s)

Image: Pierre Gui

If we talk about the best fast food snacks, pretzels must be included. In the United States, "pretzel" is synonymous with Auntie Anne's. This franchised chain, founded in 1988 , now boasts more than 1,300 stores across the country.

Everyone has followed the scent of these freshly baked pretzels at the mall or the airport at least once. It’s impossible to resist their buttery, salty, and delicious flavor that transports us to another world entirely. No wonder their slogan is "Pretzel Perfect"!

3

Curly fries (Arby’s)

Image: Chait Goli

Fries never disappoint, but if they come in a novel spiral shape, well-seasoned, and perfectly sized to devour in one bite, we're looking at one of the most incredible fries ever created.

While Arby's may not have invented curly fries, it was certainly the company that brought them to fame. Arby's introduced these crispy and delicious Cajun-style seasoned fries in 1988, and they have been a hit ever since.

4

Chicken tenders (Popeyes)

Image: Samuel Isaacs

Many fast food chains offer their version of the chicken nugget, but since Popeyes specializes in fried chicken, it's no surprise that they have one of the best versions of chicken tenders on the market.

If you haven't tried Popeyes' take on this classic American dish, you should. Their tenders are famous for their juicy chicken and their secret blend of crunchy coating. Pair them with the dipping sauce of your choice, and you’re good to go!

5

Cajun fries (Five Guys)

Image: hansbenn

Five Guys is best known for their delicious burgers, but perhaps the dish that sets them apart from other chains is their Cajun fries.

Tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, these fries are truly unique. Once fried, they are tossed in a special blend of Cajun spices —garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, and more! They are flavorful with just the right amount of spice. Have a kick with Five Guys' cajun fries!

6

Glazed doughnut (Krispy Kreme)

Image: No Revisions

Krispy Kreme has been around since 1937, and in those many years of history, it has created hundreds of different doughnut flavors. Yet, the glazed doughnut remains a classic that never fails to impress.

Its light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with that crackly glaze transports anyone back to their childhood in an instant—especially if you're lucky enough to get them fresh out of the oven!

7

Fried chicken (KFC)

Image: Aleks Dorohovich

One of Popeyes' biggest competitors is, without a doubt, Kentucky Fried Chicken. While Popeyes is known for its chicken tenders, KFC is famous for its giant buckets of fried chicken.

KFC's signature dish is fried, on-the-bone chicken pieces seasoned with Colonel Harland Sanders' "Original Recipe" of 11 herbs and spices—and we all love it. Whether you have them at a Fourth of July celebration or during a football game, KFC's fried chicken has that nostalgic effect that keeps you going!

8

Whopper (Burger King)

Image: Servetphotograph

If there's one thing we've always associated with Burger King, it's that distinctive grilled flavor. And the best representation of that flavor is its signature dish, the Whopper burger.

Although the ingredients of this gigantic sandwich, created in the late 1950s , are quite simple—one beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and pickles—it’s a favorite among fast food lovers around the world.

9

Italian B.M.T. (Subway)

Image: mandarinMD

Subway is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, specializing in submarine sandwiches. While everyone can create their own custom sandwich with fresh ingredients of their choice, Subway has a best-selling sandwich that has become an all-time classic.

Subway's Italian B.M.T.—short for "Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest"—is served on freshly baked bread and filled with a combination of three types of deli meats: salami, pepperoni, and ham. According to lore, the name also references the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit subway line. Did you know that?

10

Blizzard (Dairy Queen)

Image: ROMAN ODINTSOV

A list of the best fast food items wouldn't be complete without including at least one ice cream product. Many chains offer incredible alternatives, but Dairy Queen is, well, the queen of soft serve.

Dairy Queen's staple product, the Blizzard, was introduced in 1985 , and that same year, the company sold more than 100 million desserts. Today, there are almost 20 different Blizzard flavors, each with the best toppings. From cookies to candy, there's a delicious option for everyone!

11

Baconator (Wendy’s)

Image: Batu Gezer

Wendy's is an American fast-food restaurant, founded in 1969, famous for its square patties. It offers a large number of products, all equally delicious. But even though it was only introduced in 2007, the Baconator has become one of its flagship products, helping the company increase its sales.

A perfect combination of beef, American cheese, and crispy smoked bacon makes this burger a favorite among consumers across the country.

12

Onion rings (Burger King)

Image: Alejandro Aznar

French fries are the ultimate fast food side dish, but every once in a while, it's nice to switch things up and try something new. Burger King's onion rings are definitely a safe bet.

Tender and sweet on the inside, and crunchy on the outside, this classic American treat consists of sliced onions covered in batter and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried. Overall, it's the perfect snack for dipping into your favorite sauce!