The Moon moves into its nearest point to Earth, called perigee, at the same time as its fullest phase of the Lunar Cycle. The Moon appears to be 14% bigger and 30% brighter than the year's other full moons. The next time these two events coincide will be in 2016.ref name=Bewerewolves: Fullest Moon in 15 Years Tonight
Bernard Madoff is arrested by U.S. federal authorities on charges of running a massive decades-long Ponzi scheme swindling thousands of investors - the largest financial fraud in history.
Switzerland becomes the 25th European country to join the Schengen Agreement, whereby cross-border passport checks will be abolished.ref name=Swiss accession