Today in history

Today is Wednesday, October 4, the 277th day of 2017 and the 13th day of autumn.

On this date in the SCV: In 1945, The Signal reported that Charles Costler was charged with being the “phantom rifleman” who took several shots at Government Trapper E. L. Pineau, foreman of the Triple A Ranch near Vasquez Rocks. Costler was taken into custody and arraigned in justice court on one count of assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of issuing fraudulent checks. Costler’s eagerness lo help the law was the thing that put the law on his trail. He rode with the possemen who searched the Rocks a few days after the shooting, and even supplied the horses for Judge Arthur C. Miller and for the Los Angeles Times staff men who went along. He had been so voluble with clues, theories, explanations and assistance that Investigator Charles Kelley had become suspicious and had determined to look more closely into the evidence.

Today’s Highlights in History: In 1535, the complete English translation of the Bible was printed for the first time. In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, into orbit. In 1958, trans-Atlantic passenger jet service began with

commercial flights between New York and London. In 1965, Pope Paul VI became the first reigning pontiff to visit the United States.

Today’s fact: The longest regularly scheduled nonstop passenger flight in the world is Qatar Airways Flight 921, which departs from Auckland Airport in New Zealand for Hamad International Airport in Qatar with a scheduled length of 17 hours, 30 minutes.

Today’s sports: In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers, who had earned the nickname “Dem Bums” after losing four World Series in the previous eight seasons, defeated the New York Yankees to finally win their first championship.

Today’s number: 184 -- weight (in pounds) of Sputnik, according to Soviet news agency TASS on the day of its launch.

Today’s moon: Between first quarter moon (Sept. 27) and full moon (Oct. 5).