WTF • Fun • Fact    ( /dʌb(ə)lˌju/  /ti/   /ef/ • /fʌn/ • /fækt/ )

     1. noun  A random, interesting, and overall fun fact that makes you scratch your head and think what the...

WTF Fun Fact 13437 – Nuclear Pasta

Luckily, nuclear pasta is not coming to a dinner plate near you.

Imagine the densest material in the universe. It’s far harder than a diamond. In fact, this stuff is ten billion times stronger. Nestled in the heart of a neutron star, there’s a material that goes by the name: nuclear pasta.

Why is it called nuclear pasta?

Welcome to the most outlandish, mind-boggling part of astrophysics. Neutron stars, the remnants of massive stars that exploded as supernovae, pack twice the mass of our sun into a sphere just 20 kilometers in diameter. As a result, these objects have some truly wild properties.

If you were to dig into the heart of a neutron star, you’d see layers of complexity. As you delve deeper, things get denser and denser. Around halfway to the center, the density of the material becomes so great that the atomic nuclei become squished into a variety of shapes. Scientists believe they resemble pasta types, hence the nickname.

But what makes this stuff special?

According to research, these are likely the densest and hardest substances in the universe. In fact, one sugar cube of nuclear pasta would weigh as much as a mountain.

Theoretical physicists and astrophysicists have been trying to simulate nuclear pasta to better understand its properties. According to a 2018 study, nuclear pasta may be the strongest material in the universe. It’s not only incredibly dense but also has a shearing resistance tougher than steel’s.

This immense density results in intense gravitational fields, causing the pasta shapes to align themselves into an incredibly tight lattice structure. This structure could play a crucial role in various neutron star phenomena, including starquakes, glitches, and even gravitational waves.

Interestingly, nuclear pasta doesn’t exist naturally on Earth, and for a good reason – it’s way too dense and strong for our environment. But the fact that it exists in the universe opens up a whole new realm of physics.

Discovering the existence of nuclear pasta is also vital for understanding neutron stars better. These stars are not only fascinating in their own right but also play a crucial role in the life cycles of galaxies. Understanding more about neutron stars could, therefore, lead to insights about how galaxies, including our own Milky Way, evolve over time.

There’s still so much to learn about neutron stars. But one thing’s for sure – the universe is full of fantastic and surprising structures!

— WTF fun facts

Source: “What is nuclear pasta?” — BBC Sky at Night Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13436 – Vertical Forests

Do you know about the urban jungles called vertical forests? These towers of lush greenery stretch skyward, a testament to man’s ingenuity and nature’s adaptability.

The original vertical forest – Bosco Verticale

Vertical forests stem from the inventive mind of Italian architect Stefano Boeri. His vision for a greener planet led to the creation of Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers in Milan. These living, breathing structures showcase over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 floral plants. The foliage acts as an urban lung, absorbing carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen, offering a breath of fresh air in a bustling metropolis.

Vertical forests in Asia

Hot on Milan’s heels, Nanjing, China, unveiled its vertical forest concept in 2018. Nanjing Green Towers mirror their Italian counterparts, cocooning a hotel, office, museum, school, and a rooftop club in a verdant embrace. Greenery cloaks the buildings, forming a dynamic ecosystem that provides shade, reduces noise pollution, and creates a habitat for birds and insects.

Across the globe in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Vo Trong Nghia Architects has a vision. With the city’s greenspace dwindling, they proposed a series of condominiums swathed in bamboo-filled concrete planters. They’ve named it the “House for Trees,” with each building designed to accommodate a tree on its roof.

A burgeoning trend

But, vertical forests aren’t solely for the concrete giants of the world. Medium-sized cities have jumped on the bandwagon too, with Eindhoven, a quaint city in the Netherlands, unveiling its own verdant vision. Trudo Vertical Forest is an affordable housing project designed to provide low-income families with sustainable homes wrapped in the embrace of 125 mature trees and countless shrubs.

In Quito, Ecuador, the urban jungle takes a different form. The IQON is Latin America’s first vertical forest, with plans to feature over 300 tree species, some of which are in danger of extinction. It’s an ambitious project, and one that aims to reconcile the city with its biodiverse surroundings.

Finally, let’s take a trip to the desert. In the heart of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Stefano Boeri strikes again. He proposes a series of seven vertical forest buildings and three green residential complexes. The design aims to combat desertification while creating a bio-diverse urban ecosystem.

These are just a few examples of the burgeoning trend of vertical forests, a unique solution to urbanization’s challenges. As the world’s cities continue to expand, it’s this kind of innovative, nature-centric architecture that will help keep our urban environments breathable, sustainable, and beautiful.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “9 Vertical Forests Around the World That Look like Jungles in the City” — Interesting Engineering

WTF Fun Fact 13435 – Namibia’s Dead Vlei

Dead Vlei is a fascinating expanse of parched land that delivers a raw, unfiltered taste of nature’s ironies. Located in the Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia, this peculiar terrain is quite a spectacle to behold.

What is Dead Vlei?

The name “Dead Vlei” evokes mystery, intrigue, and a tinge of the macabre. It means “dead marsh.” But there are no marshy wetlands here, only a bleak and barren desert forest.

Years ago, the scene was different. The Tsauchab River flowed through, nourishing life. Acacia trees rose from the marsh, drinking from the river’s bounty. The dunes blocked the river’s path about 700 years ago, and the life-source dried up. The trees could not survive, their lives snuffed out by the desert’s harsh reality.

A tree cemetery

Today, they stand as skeletal remains, eerily immortalized in the arid expanse. Scorched black by the sun, the 900-year-old trees defy decomposition. They’re trapped in time, providing a stark contrast against the bleached-white clay pan.

Towering over the land are immense sand dunes that stretch towards the sky. These are some of the tallest dunes in the world, reaching dizzying heights of over 300 meters.

Walking into Dead Vlei feels like entering a surreal painting. The arid, cracked earth underfoot, the blackened trees standing as silent sentinels, the rusty-red dunes in the backdrop – it’s a stark yet mesmerizing display of contrasts. It’s the living and the dead, color and monochrome, life’s vitality and death’s silence.

The place is remote, nestled within the expansive Namib Desert, one of the world’s oldest. To reach Dead Vlei, one must traverse the salt and clay pan of Sossusvlei, another stunning locale, renowned for its red dunes and vivid landscapes. The journey might be long, but the sight that awaits at the end is worth every step.

Dead Vlei has served as the backdrop for various film and television productions and drawn photographers from around the globe.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Dead Vlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Namibia” — Atlas Obscura

WTF Fun Fact 13434 – Tanzania’s Lake Natron

Tanzania’s Lake Natron is not your average lake. Imagine a vast shimmering pink and red body of water so caustic that it burns your skin and eyes. It’s rumored to turn animals into stone (though that’s not quite true). I’s both beautiful and creepy.

Lake Natron’s eerie characteristics

Lake Natron, nestled in the Great Rift Valley, is a salt lake. It gets its name from natron, a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate and around 17% sodium bicarbonate. Add in some salt and mineral impurities, and you have a lake with a pH as high as 10.5. That’s incredibly alkaline.

With these numbers, you might think nothing could survive here. But you’d be wrong. Three species of fish, Alcolapia alcalica, Alcolapia latilabris, and Alcolapia ndalalani, call this caustic lake home. These hardy creatures adapted to Lake Natron’s harsh conditions and live quite happily in its waters.

The myth of Lake Natron

In stark contrast to its resident fishes, the lake has been accused of turning birds and other animals into statues. You heard that right – stone statues. But before you jump to a petrifying conclusion, let’s debunk that myth.

Photographer Nick Brandt published a series of hauntingly beautiful images of calcified animals along Lake Natron’s shores, triggering rumors that its water could turn creatures to stone. But the reality is less fantastical and more scientific.

The animals, likely dead before they touched Natron’s waters, were preserved by its alkalinity. Similar to how ancient Egyptians used natron to mummify bodies, the lake’s water can preserve and give a stony appearance to those unfortunate creatures that end up in its depths. But instant petrification? That’s a myth.

However, that doesn’t mean Lake Natron is all welcoming. With temperatures that can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s inhospitable for many species. Touching the water could cause burns, especially to the eyes and skin of unadapted animals and humans. So while it’s not turning beings to stone, it’s not exactly a friendly dip.

Flamingo’s love it!

Yet, despite its harshness, Lake Natron is the chosen breeding ground for more than 2.5 million Lesser Flamingos. The lake’s extreme conditions keep the flamingos safe from predators, while the algae thriving in the salty water serve as a rich food source.

The juxtaposition between Lake Natron’s beauty and harshness is stark. For this reason, it it’s a magnet for both tourists and scientists alike. Its eeriness, the ghostly images of life arrested in time, is a fascinating aspect of its lure. But there’s more to this lake than meets the eye.

Lake Natron is an excellent reminder of how nature is full of surprises and adaptations. Its unique ecosystem underscores the balance between life and death, showcasing how even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way to not just survive, but thrive.

The truth about Lake Natron is far more interesting than myths.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Lake Natron: Deadly to Most Life, but the Flamingos Love It” — Explorer’s Web

WTF Fun Fact 13433 – The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

If you crave a journey into the depths of the Earth to experience nature’s wonder, head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in Colombia. This marvel lies 200 meters (over 600 feet) underground in a former salt mine. And it’s an awe-inspiring symbol of spiritual devotion and architectural brilliance.

Visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Picture this – you descend into the belly of the Earth. You’re greeted by a long, shadowy tunnel, illuminated by the soft glow of strategically placed lighting. Now, you’ve reached the start of the “Via Crucis”, the Stations of the Cross. Each one represented through imposing sculptures carved directly from the salt. These artworks in themselves offer a mesmerizing spectacle, adding gravitas to the sacred pilgrimage through the mine.

As you journey deeper, you’re led to an expansive cavern. Here, the salt rocks yield to the Cathedral’s majestic centerpiece – a massive cross stretching up toward the ceiling. This 16-meter-tall monolith of salt illuminated from behind. It casts a mystical aura, offering an awe-inspiring sight that leaves visitors marveling at the artistry and devotion it represents.

An active place of worship

The Cathedral is not just a sight to behold, but also a beacon of local culture. In fact, the salt mine has supported the people of Zipaquirá for centuries, its economic significance evolving into spiritual importance with the construction of the cathedral. Today, it continues to be a vibrant place of worship where faith resonates in every salt-strewn corner.

Further adding to its uniqueness, the Cathedral’s acoustics have also been leveraged for musical performances, its echoes amplifying the harmonious notes and making the music a truly immersive experience. Here, the hymns aren’t just heard but felt, resonating with the spirit of the cathedral.

Despite its spiritual significance, the Cathedral also caters to secular tourists. A light show illuminates the cathedral, and a guided tour offers insights into its geological and architectural aspects, emphasizing its universal appeal. It’s a journey of discovery, an exploration of human ingenuity in harnessing nature, and a celebration of the enduring power of faith.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Colombia’s Salt Cathedral Is A Marvel Of Architecture And A Popular House Of Worship” — NPR

WTF Fun Fact 13432 – Poland’s Top Tourist Attraction

A funny feline from Poland named Gacek has been causing a buzz online. He’s earned fame and become Poland’s top tourist attraction thanks to Google Maps.

This remarkable kitty, through its wanderings, has inadvertently become an international sensation. A case of an everyday cat finding a global platform. Gacek’s story combines charm, curiosity, and the surprising role of technology in our daily lives.

Why is Poland’s top tourist attraction a random cat?

Gacek’s journey to online stardom started when his owners fitted him with a GPS collar. To their surprise, the cat was far more adventurous than they had imagined. Gacek explored Szczecin, the city where he lives, covering an impressive range of urban territory.

They eventually overlaid the GPS data they collected from Gacek’s collar onto Google Maps. The resulting visual representation of his adventures was shared online, quickly capturing the attention of internet users across the globe. Gacek’s meanderings through the city, as shown on the map, paint an intriguing picture of a day in the life of an adventurous feline.

Gacek’s story fascinated and amused social media users worldwide. His explorations have sparked conversations about the role of technology in uncovering these hidden aspects of our world.

He’s also providing a great way to take a walking tour of the city!

Tour the city through the eyes of a cat

This digital snapshot of Gacek’s escapades quickly became a hit online. The map of his travels is now an unlikely tourist guide to Szczecin.

Thes “Gacek tours” let people explore famous cat’s routes and favorite haunts. And of course people are hoping to catch a glimpse of the adventurous feline. Cafes and shops along Gacek’s routes have seen a boost in business, thanks to the increased footfall from cat-loving tourists.

The phenomenon of Gacek has also highlighted the practical benefits of GPS tracking for pets, underlining its potential for ensuring the safety of our four-legged companions in an urban setting. While Gacek’s adventures have brought joy to many, they also emphasize the role of such technology in caring for our pets.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “This Polish city’s top tourist attraction? A stray cat.” — Washington Post

WTF Fun Fact 13431 – Ford’s Self-Repossessing Truck

In a move that could revolutionize the automotive industry, Ford has patented a system enabling self-repossessing trucks. Through connectivity and automation, these vehicles could potentially drive themselves back to the dealer in the event of missed payments.

This idea of autonomous repossession is a powerful example of how technology is reshaping our world.

Self-repossessing trucks in the patent stage

The patent, as reported by The Verge, illustrates a system in which a vehicle can determine if it’s subject to repossession based on data received from a remote source. It’s not yet a reality.

However, in the future, a car could disable its own engine or even navigate itself back to the lender, provided it’s safe and legal to do so.

While this might sound dystopian to some, it’s essential to consider the problem this solution aims to address. Traditional repossession methods are far from perfect. They can lead to conflicts, damages, or, in some cases, even legal issues. Autonomous repossession could potentially eliminate these complications, making the process smoother for all parties involved.

But wait, there’s more!

But, Ford’s self-repossessing trucks patent doesn’t stop there. The documentation suggests that these vehicles could also potentially find and connect with a tow truck for assistance if self-driving to the dealer isn’t possible. The vehicle’s systems could even schedule a convenient pick-up time with the towing company, streamlining the entire process.

However, such a concept isn’t without its concerns. Critics argue that autonomous repossession could pose privacy risks. After all, the technology requires tracking and controlling vehicles remotely, raising questions about data security and personal privacy. Ford, along with all automakers pursuing such technologies, will need to address these concerns as development progresses.

Will it really work?

Furthermore, the actual implementation of this system in real-world conditions is another challenge. Various laws regulate vehicle repossession, which differ from state to state, and the legality of a self-repossessing car is still untested. Therefore, while the patent is granted, the road to seeing self-repossessing cars in action might be long and winding.

Ford’s self-repossessing car patent is a clear reflection of our changing times. It encapsulates both the remarkable potential of automation and connectivity, and the complex challenges that come along. It’s a compelling narrative of how technology continues to reimagine our world and how we must navigate the balance between innovation and privacy, efficiency and legality.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Ford’s self-repossessing car patent is a nightmare of the connected-car future” — The Verge

WTF Fun Fact 13430 – Japan’s Sauna Bus

Japan’s sauna bus (or saubus) is intriguing people around the world (and making more than a few wonder “why?!”)

Who wants to ride in a sauna bus?

A new cultural trend in Japan has emerged from the fusion of public transportation and traditional wellness practices. A retired public bus in Japan, creatively redesigned, now roams the streets as a fully functional, mobile sauna.

The old “sabus,” as it’s called, isn’t just a manifestation of Japanese ingenuity; it represents a revolution in urban relaxation.

A unique wellness journey

Designed by architecture firm Raumplan, this refurbished bus serves as a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and a celebration of the Japanese ritual of bathing. The exterior boasts the familiar green hue that once signaled the bus’s transportation role. The inside transports people into a realm of steamy warmth and tranquility.

The transformation from a public transportation vehicle to a wellness sanctuary is nothing short of mesmerizing. The bus seats have been replaced with a compact sauna, an anteroom, and an open deck.

The sauna, clad in aromatic Japanese hinoki cypress wood, can accommodate up to six people. Its large window offers a panoramic view of the surroundings, allowing bathers to enjoy scenic landscapes while they steam.

Venturing further inside, you find the anteroom. A relaxation space with wooden benches, this area is designed for post-sauna cool downs and socializing. Finally, the bus’s rear hosts an open deck, equipped with a shower for bathers to rinse off and freshen up.

Why a mobile sauna?

The creators envisioned the saubus as a way to connect communities and promote traditional Japanese wellness practices. By repurposing a public bus, they’re able to bring the sauna experience to various locations, from scenic lakeside spots to bustling city streets, making wellness accessible and enjoyable for all.

Beyond its functionality, the sauna bus serves as a symbol of sustainability and creative repurposing. It stands as proof that, with a bit of imagination, we can transform everyday objects into something extraordinary.

Through this project, Raumplan and its collaborators have redefined what a bus and a sauna can be, creating a new experience that is quintessentially Japanese yet universally appealing. The sauna bus isn’t just a place to relax and unwind; it’s a communal space that brings people together wherever it goes.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “INTRODUCING THE ‘SABUS’ MOBILE SAUNA” — designboom

WTF Fun Fact 13429 – Crown Shyness in Trees

Have you ever seen a tree get nervous? Certainly not, but crown shyness in trees is about to give you a whole new perspective.

Imagine wandering through a dense forest, the quiet whispers of leaves your only company. You gaze upward, finding yourself under a vast, living canopy. Now, observe the leaves’ formation. Notice how each leaf reaches out for its share of sunlight, yet mysteriously avoids overlapping with its neighbor. This intriguing behavior is known as crown shyness.

Crown shyness is a botanical phenomenon where trees of the same species (and sometimes, different species) avoid touching one another. The resulting gaps in the canopy form a stark, jigsaw-like pattern against the sky—a natural artwork of lines and spaces, fascinating and beautiful.

What causes crowd shyness in trees?

The exact cause of crown shyness remains a subject of debate among scientists. Some theories propose that it’s a mechanism to prevent the spread of harmful insects or diseases. Others suggest it’s due to the trees’ sensitivity to physical contact. When branches collide due to wind, they could sustain damage, leading to a phenomenon known as ‘branch abrasion.’ Over time, the trees might “learn” to avoid contact, hence the “shyness.”

But whatever the cause, the consequences of crown shyness on forest ecosystems are tangible. The patterns it creates reduce competition for sunlight, enabling all trees to flourish. Moreover, the resulting gaps in the canopy permit more rainfall to reach the forest floor, benefitting the undergrowth.

Even though we attribute the term “shyness” to this phenomenon, the reality is anything but timid. It’s a fierce competition for survival and a demonstration of cooperative living in the wild. It’s a reminder that trees, though stationary and silent, engage in complex interactions with each other.

The more we know the less we understand

By observing and understanding these unique patterns, we gain insights into the interconnectedness of nature. We comprehend how trees, despite being rooted to the spot, communicate and interact with their environment in ways beyond our understanding.

In our fast-paced world, a moment spent contemplating the “shyness” of the trees can instill a deeper respect for the complexity and subtlety of nature. As we walk under the forest’s green canopy, we’re participating in a delicate dance that’s been choreographed over millennia. A dance where each participant knows their place and respects the other, a dance of survival, adaptation, and above all, cooperation.

So, the next time you wander into a forest, look up. Witness the marvel of crown shyness. You’re not merely observing a scientific phenomenon; you’re peering into an intricate world that continues to inspire, educate, and mesmerize us.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Some trees may ‘social distance’ to avoid disease” — National Geographic