1. On December 9, 1968, the world's largest earthquake occurred in Alaska, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. Known as the Great Alaskan Earthquake or the Good Friday Earthquake, it caused massive destruction, tsunamis, and more than 140 deaths.

2. In 1983, the Alaska Legislature passed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act on December 9, designating over 100 million acres of land as national parks, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges. It is considered one of the most significant conservation laws in US history.

3. On December 9, 1905, a group of miners in the town of Fairbanks formed the Fairbanks Miners' Union to protest long working hours and low wages. It sparked a labor movement that led to better working conditions and wages for miners in Alaska.

4. In 2005, Alaska Airlines Flight 536, carrying 167 passengers, overshot the runway at Juneau International Airport on December 9. Miraculously, no one was injured, but the incident led to changes in safety procedures and raised questions about the safety of the runway.

5. December 9 was declared "Melvin H. Mottram Day" in Alaska in 2013 to honor the civil rights activist and advocate for veterans. Mottram fought for equal rights for Alaska Natives and Veterans and played a significant role in the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971.