The world is a vast and fascinating place, filled with wonders both big and small. Even in our modern age of information, there are still countless surprising facts waiting to be discovered. Here are ten interesting facts that you likely didn’t know:
Cleopatra Lived Closer in Time to the Invention of the iPhone Than to the Building of the Great Pyramid
Cleopatra, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, lived from 69 to 30 BCE. The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed around 2560 BCE. This means there were over two millennia between the construction of the pyramid and Cleopatra’s life. In contrast, the first iPhone was released in 2007, a little over two thousand years after Cleopatra’s reign. This puts her closer in time to the invention of the iPhone than to the building of the Great Pyramid.
There are More Possible Iterations of a Game of Chess Than There Are Atoms in the Observable Universe
The number of possible ways to play a game of chess is so vast that it dwarfs the estimated number of atoms in the observable universe. This number, known as the Shannon number, is estimated to be around 10^120, while the number of atoms in the universe is estimated to be around 10^80. This means there are more possible chess games than there are atoms in the known universe.
Octopuses Have Three Hearts
Octopuses are fascinating creatures with several unique biological features. One of the most interesting is that they have three hearts. Two of these hearts pump blood through the gills, while the third circulates blood to the rest of the body.
It Snowed in the Sahara Desert in 2018
The Sahara Desert is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth. However, in 2018, it experienced a rare snowfall. The snow fell in the town of Ain Sefra, Algeria, which is known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” This was only the third time in nearly 40 years that snow had fallen in the Sahara.
There’s a Planet Made Entirely of Diamond
Located 50 light-years from Earth in the constellation Centaurus is a planet composed almost entirely of diamond. This planet, known as 55 Cancri e, is twice the size of Earth and has eight times its mass. Scientists estimate that it’s worth a staggering $26.9 nonillion (that’s a 39 with 30 zeros after it).
The “Mona Lisa” Has No Eyebrows or Eyelashes
The “Mona Lisa” is one of the most famous paintings in the world, renowned for its enigmatic smile. However, a close examination reveals that the subject has no eyebrows or eyelashes. It’s unclear whether this was intentional by Leonardo da Vinci or if they have faded over time.
There Are More Trees on Earth Than Stars in the Milky Way Galaxy
It’s easy to think of stars as being countless, but the number of trees on Earth actually exceeds the number of stars in our galaxy. Scientists estimate that there are around 3 trillion trees on Earth, while the Milky Way is estimated to contain between 100 and 400 billion stars.
Honey Never Spoils
Honey is a remarkable substance that can last for an incredibly long time without spoiling. Archaeologists have even found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still edible. This is due to honey’s unique chemical composition, which is low in water and high in acidity, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria and microorganisms.
It Takes 8 Minutes for Light From the Sun to Reach Earth
Light travels at an incredible speed of approximately 186,282 miles per second (299,792 kilometers per second). Even at this speed, it still takes about 8 minutes for light from the Sun to reach Earth. This means that when you look at the Sun, you’re seeing it as it was 8 minutes ago.
Bananas Are Berries, but Strawberries Aren’t
In botanical terms, a berry is a fruit that develops from a single ovary of a single flower. Based on this definition, bananas fit the criteria and are classified as berries. On the other hand, strawberries develop from a flower with multiple ovaries, making them an aggregate fruit, not a berry.
These are just a few of the many interesting facts that highlight the incredible diversity and wonder of our world. There is always something new to learn and discover, and the pursuit of knowledge can be a rewarding and enriching experience.