wtf fact

WTF Fun Fact 13290 – The Spring Equinox At Chichen Itza

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In March, visitors flock to Mexico to celebrate the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization and is home to some of the most iconic Mayan ruins in the world. Among these ruins is the Kukulcan Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, which is famous for its alignment with the spring and fall equinoxes.

Celebrating the spring equinox at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan civilization over the course of several centuries. Construction started in the 7th century CE. The site contains many impressive structures, including pyramids, temples, ball courts, and an observatory. But the most famous is the Kukulcan Pyramid.

On the day of the spring equinox each year, the pyramid is known for a visual effect known as the “serpent of light.” As the sun rises, the pyramid casts a shadow that appears to be a serpent slithering down the steps. This phenomenon is caused by the angle of the sun and the pyramid’s unique design, which incorporates 365 steps, one for each day of the year.

What’s amazing about the structure is that the architects knew astronomy so well that they could build something so large that also has such a dramatic effect at a precise moment centuries later.

The Serpent of Light

The serpent of light is a significant event for the Mayan people. They view it as a symbol of the cycle of life and death, and the renewing power of the sun. Many visitors flock to Chichen Itza on the day of the spring equinox to witness this event.

In addition to the pyramid, Chichen Itza is home to many other fascinating ruins. Among them are the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the Observatory. Each of these structures has its own unique history and significance in Mayan culture.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “The descent of the serpent in the Chichen Itza Equinox” — Mayan Peninsula

WTF Fun Fact 13287 – The First Spacewalk

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On March 18th, 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made history by becoming the first person to walk in space. Leonov left his spacecraft, the Voskhod 2, and floated in space for 12 minutes and 9 seconds. The first spacewalk paved the way for future space exploration and opened up new possibilities for scientific research in space.

The Soviets made the first spacewalk

The spacewalk was a remarkable achievement for the Soviet space program, which was in competition with the United States at the time to achieve milestones in space exploration. The mission was not without its challenges, however. Leonov’s space suit had inflated in the vacuum of space, making it difficult for him to move and causing him to experience overheating.

Despite these challenges, Leonov successfully completed his spacewalk and returned to the spacecraft, where he faced another problem. The spacecraft’s automatic landing system had failed, and Leonov and his crewmate had to manually steer the spacecraft to a safe landing.

Subsequent spacewalks

Since Leonov’s historic feat, many other astronauts and cosmonauts have followed in his footsteps (or rather, lack of footsteps). Here are some quirky facts about spacewalking:

  • The longest spacewalk in history was conducted by Russian cosmonauts in 2013. They spent 8 hours and 7 minutes outside the International Space Station.
  • Spacewalks are often referred to as “EVA,” which stands for “extravehicular activity.”
  • Spacewalkers wear special suits called Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs). These are designed to protect them from the extreme conditions of space.
  • During a spacewalk, astronauts and cosmonauts tether themselves to the spacecraft to prevent them from floating away into space.
  • The first American to conduct a spacewalk was Ed White in 1965, just a few months after Leonov’s historic walk.
  • In 1984, American astronaut Bruce McCandless made history. He became the first person to fly freely in space without being tethered to a spacecraft.
  • The first all-female spacewalk took place in 2019. Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir conducted a 7-hour walk to replace a failed power controller.

As space exploration continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more remarkable achievements in spacewalking. But Alexei Leonov’s historic spacewalk on March 18th, 1965 opened up a new world of possibilities for space exploration.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The First Spacewalk” — New Scientist

WTF Fun Fact 13285 – How Blind People Dream

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Have you ever wondered what blind people experience in their dreams? You’re not alone – the question of what blind people dream has intrigued researchers for years. More specifically, the question is about the dreams of those who have been blind since birth. These are people who haven’t collected visual images to fuel their dreams.

According to The Conversation (cited below):
“Humans born without sight are not able to collect visual experiences, so they understand the world entirely through their other senses. As a result, people with blindness at birth develop an amazing ability to understand the world through the collection of experiences and memories that come from these non-visual senses.”

Insights into how blind people dream

People who are born blind do dream, despite having never seen visual images. But their dreams seem to be different from those of sighted individuals. For example, instead of visual images, blind people may experience dreams that involve more vivid sensory experiences, such as sounds, smells, and touch.

The article in The Conversation by neuroscientist John J. Foxe and psychologist Andrei Gorea notes, “the visual areas of the brain are not dormant during dream sleep in congenitally blind people, but instead get co-opted for processing other senses.” This means that while blind people may not see images in their dreams, their brains are still processing sensory information. And they do this in much the same way that sighted people process visual information.

One study conducted by the University of Copenhagen found that blind individuals may have more intense and emotional dreams than sighted individuals. That’s because their brains may compensate for a lack of visual stimuli by enhancing other sensory experiences. As Foxe and Gorea explain, “this is thought to be due to the fact that the brain has to work harder to create a sensory-rich environment in the absence of visual input.”

The study also found that people who were born blind may dream more about other people and interpersonal interaction. That makes sense since blind people may rely more heavily on senses like hearing and touch to interact with others. Foxe and Gorea note that “this may result in a greater emphasis on interpersonal relationships in dream content.

Seeing dreams

Interestingly, some blind individuals really do seem to dream in visual images. This phenomenon is called “sighted dreaming.” It has been reported by some blind individuals, and researchers hypothesize that it may be related to the brain’s innate ability to construct mental images based on experiences.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the dream experiences of those who have been blind since birth. But research has given us fascinating insights into how the brain processes sensory information and uses it during dream sleep. Foxe and Gorea note: “…this research has implications…for our understanding of how the brain adapts to sensory deprivation more generally.”

Overall, the dream experiences of blind individuals continue to intrigue us. As our understanding of the brain and its functions continues to evolve, we may discover even more fascinating facts about the dream experiences of blind individuals and how they differ from those of sighted individuals.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “What do blind people experience in their dreams?” — The Conversation

WTF Fun Fact 13284 – The Invention of Balloons

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The invention of balloons goes back over 1000 years. But modern balloons didn’t come about until the 19th century.

The first balloons were made from animal bladders. People would use the bladders of animals – such as pigs, cows, and goats – to create primitive balloons for games or decor.

Ancient inflatables

The first recorded use of animal bladder balloons was in ancient China during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). It is said that the balloons were used by courtiers to play a game called “Lantern at Night” where they would try to keep the balloon in the air for as long as possible using only their feet.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, animal bladder balloons were popular toys for children. They would often be filled with air and decorated with drawings or painted designs.

Animal bladder balloons were not only used for entertainment purposes, but also had practical applications. For example, in the 18th century, French doctors used pig bladder balloons to perform bladder surgeries.

In ancient Mesoamerica, animal bladder balloons were used for spiritual and religious purposes. They were a symbol of the “breath of life.”

As you might imagine, the durability of animal bladder balloons was very limited. These primitive balloons would often burst or deflate quickly. It wasn’t until the invention of rubber balloons that inflatables became more durable and could hold their shape for long periods of time.

The invention of modern balloons

In 1824, English scientist Michael Faraday discovered that he could use rubber to make a balloon that would retain its shape for longer periods.

This discovery paved the way for the balloons we use today. However, today’s balloons are typically made from materials like latex or Mylar. These are obviously longer-lasting materials than rubber or animal bladders.

Of course, balloons are now known to have many negative effects on the environment. When released into the air, they often end up in the water, where they harm marine life.

Additionally, standard balloons can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Despite these concerns, balloons continue to be a popular decoration for birthday parties and weddings to parades. In the near future, there are likely to be more biodegradable choices for balloon materials.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Balloons” — Science World

WTF Fun Fact 13283 – The Color Red

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The color red can make you feel hungrier and may even increase physical performance and attention to detail, making it a popular choice in restaurants, gyms, and academic settings.

The psychology of the color red

Color psychology is an interesting field. It explores how different colors can affect our mood, behavior, and perception without us really even noticing. It can even ramp up excitement levels.

As a warm color, red is also thought to stimulate our senses in a way that may increase our heart rate and even our blood pressure.

According to Scientific American (cited below):

“Some of the hue’s significance has a biological basis. Many humans get red in the face from increased blood flow when they are angry. A similar process activates a flush of embarrassment or a more flirtatious blush. Seeing red also triggers some surprising behaviors. For instance, drivers blocked in traffic by a red car react faster and more aggressively than drivers barred by vehicles of other colors.”

Red can evoke feelings of hunger and appetite. That’s why it’s often used in restaurants and food packaging. Studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they are surrounded by the color red.

Next time you drive around town, notice how many fast-food restaurants and other dining establishments use red in their logos and signage.

Red gets us moving – mentally and physically

In addition to its effects on appetite, the color red is also associated with physical performance and attention to detail. In fact, studies have shown that athletes who wear red uniforms or see the color red before a competition tend to perform better. They even have a higher chance of winning. This is because red can increase arousal and improve focus, which can be beneficial in athletic settings.

Similarly, the color red has been shown to improve performance in academic settings. Studies have found that students who are exposed to something red before an exam tend to perform better and have higher levels of concentration. That’s because red can increase attention to detail and improve memory retention.

Despite its many benefits, the color red can also have negative associations. We also tend to associate red with danger, warning signs, and stop signs. These can create feelings of stress and anxiety in some people.

In addition, some people tend to feel aggression and anger around this color. That’s why architects and designers often avoid using red in certain contexts, such as in hospitals and mental health facilities.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “How the Color Red Influences Our Behavior” — Scientific American

WTF Fun Fact 13279 – The First Oscars

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The first Oscars ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. It lasted only 15 minutes, and there were only 270 guests in attendance. Tickets for the event cost $5 each, and the Academy had notified the winners three months prior to the ceremony.

The history of the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards Ceremony, also known as the Oscars, is an annual event that honors the best in the film industry. Today, it’s a grand gala that draws millions of viewers from around the world, but the first Academy Awards Ceremony was far less grand.

The idea for the Academy Awards was first proposed in 1927 by Louis B. Mayer, the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Mayer wanted to create an awards ceremony that would generate positive publicity for Hollywood. He approached several prominent figures in the industry, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Cecil B. DeMille, to help him organize the event.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929, at a private dinner party in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Only 270 people were present, and the ceremony lasted only 15 minutes.

However, despite its modest beginnings, the first Oscars marked the birth of one of Hollywood’s great extravaganzas.

The first Oscars ceremony

The first Academy Awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements in filmmaking during the 1927-1928 season. The newly-formed Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences chose the winners.

The winners were announced in a matter-of-fact way without the fanfare and spectacle of today’s ceremonies.

In fact, the winners had been notified ahead of time – 3 months earlier. However, the Academy asked them to keep the information a secret until the night of the event to add some suspense.

The ceremony was not broadcast on television or radio. There were 12 categories of awards at the first ceremony, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Story.

The winners of the first Oscars included:

  • Emil Jannings for Best Actor
  • Janet Gaynor for Best Actress
  • “Wings” for Best Picture

“Wings” was a silent film about World War I fighter pilots. Audiences and critics praised the film’s impressive aerial battle scenes for their realism. As a result, the film was a commercial and critical success. It even helped to establish Hollywood as the center of the film industry.

From the red carpet arrivals to the emotional acceptance speeches, the Oscars have become an integral part of popular culture. With each passing year, the ceremony becomes more innovative. To this day, the Academy adds new technology and creative ideas to make the event more entertaining.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The First Oscar Ceremony Lasted 15 Minutes. What Happened?” — The New York Times

WTF Fun Fact 13278 – St. Patrick’s Day Blue

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Ready to don your St. Patrick’s Day blue and head out to the Irish pub crawl on March 17th?

If you’re like most people, you probably associate St. Patrick’s Day with the color green. After all, the iconic shamrock and leprechaun hats are all decked out in various shades of this vibrant hue. But did you know blue was just as much associated with St. Patrick as green?

St. Patrick’s Day blue

The truth is, the origins of St. Patrick’s Day are steeped in history and tradition, dating back to the early days of Christianity in Ireland.

Legend has it that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the three leaves of the shamrock to teach the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. The color green, then, became a symbol of both St. Patrick’s teachings and the lush, rolling hills of the Irish countryside.

But what about blue?

Blue was actually the original color of St. Patrick – or at least the Order of St. Patrick. This chivalric order was established in 1783 to honor the patron saint of Ireland. Members of the order wore blue uniforms as they marched in parades on St. Patrick’s Day.

But even before that, blue was a prominent color in Irish mythology and folklore. The ancient Celts associated blue with the mystical realm inhabited by supernatural beings. Blue was also associated with water, which was seen as a source of life and renewal.

According to Smithsonian Magazine (cited below):

“When Henry VIII assumed the throne, after more than 300 years of English rule over Ireland, he took steps to strengthen his hold on the isle, declaring himself King of Ireland in 1541, making it a part of the England and giving it its own coat of arms. This was the first official instance of connecting the color blue with Ireland, using a golden harp on a blue background; the same symbol can be seen today on the Constitution of Ireland and the Presidential flag.”

The use of green as the color of St. Patrick’s Day can be traced in part back to the 19th century. Irish revolutionaries wore green as a symbol of their cause.

Blue bows to green

Over time, the popularity of the green shamrock rose as a symbol of Ireland. And St. Patrick’s Day overshadowed the blue of the Order of St. Patrick. The rest, as they say, is history.

So next time you head out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, remember the history and traditions that shaped the holiday. You might even consider raising a glass while wearing blue this year!

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Should We Be Wearing Blue on St. Patrick’s Day?” — Smithsonian Magazine

WTF Fun Fact 13276 – Hallucigenia

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If you’re a fan of bizarre creatures that once roamed the Earth, then Hallucigenia is probably right up your alley. This ancient invertebrate still confounds scientists today with its appearance and mysterious origins. The Hallucigenia lived during the Cambrian period. That’s about 515 to 500 million years ago.

What’s in a name?

We derive its name from its strange anatomy and shape. At the front of its body, it has a pair of tentacles. Next, its long, narrow body was covered in spines and spikes – likely for protection against predators rather than to simply make it look cool.

It also had seven pairs of legs, each with multiple spikes, and a pair of spiky protrusions on its head.

The Hallucigenia’s body ended in a pair of hooks, and it had a thin, flexible skin that may have been used for gliding or swimming. It’s definitely not something you’d want to hug.

With its long spines, claw-like appendages, and worm-like body, some have dubbed it a “nightmare creature.” Scientists are puzzled by this unique anatomy since the creature is not built like animals on Earth today.

Hallucigenia loco-motion

You might think because it has legs that it “walks.” But no, it moves in the creepiest way possible.

Instead of walking or crawling on the ground, the Hallucigenia used its long spines to travel across the sea floor. We call this type of locomotion “arm-leggedness,” and we see it in very few creatures today.

Scientists believe that the Hallucigenia was a simple, bottom-dwelling creature that likely lived in shallow seas. Its long, tubular body could have been an advantage to burrow into the sediment or to probe for food.

Researchers once thought it was a primitive crab, but it is not included in the group called Lobopodia since it’s more likely that it’s an early offshoot of a group of animals called Panarthropoda. This would make it an evolutionary “cousin” of modern-day arthropods such as spiders and insects.

Hallucingenia and the fossil record

The fossil record of Hallucigenia serves as a window into the Earth’s past. It provides a glimpse into how our planet’s ecosystems and organisms have evolved over millions of years. And as researchers continue to make new discoveries, it will be interesting to see how scientists piece together the puzzle of this strange creature and learn more about its story.

It might not be the cuddliest creature in history, but the Hallucingenia is no hallucination. It’s one of the planet’s fascinating mysteries born in a time when nothing like a human existed. The Cambrian period saw an explosion in the evolution of new types of creatures. And we know a lot about it because there were many hard-bodied creatures that got preserved in the fossil records (as opposed to being smashed into goo).

Humans would eventually evolve from the first vertebrates (creatures with a backbone) that emerged during this time. But that was going to take tens of millions more years.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “What is hallucigenia?” — BBC Science Focus

WTF Fun Fact 13275 – The Hyrax

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The hyrax looks like a rodent. But, in fact, it’s actually more closely related to elephants, despite its small size and rodent-like appearance. This surprising relationship is due to similarities in their teeth and skull structures, as well as genetic evidence.

Fun facts about the hyrax

This is one odd little animal!

Hyraxes are also known as dassies or rock rabbits. These little creatures are furry mammals native to Africa and the Middle East. Hyraxes belong to the order Hyracoidea and are found in rocky habitats, such as mountains and cliffs.

There are four species of hyraxes: the rock hyrax, the bush hyrax, the yellow-spotted hyrax, and the tree hyrax. The rock hyrax is the most common and can be found in many parts of Africa.

Hyraxes are social animals that live in groups of up to 80. They communicate with each other through a series of grunts, whistles, and screams (so charming!).

They’re also territorial and mark their territory with unique specialized scent glands located on their feet. The cute little herbivores feed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, shoots, and bark.

Hyraxes are also known for their excellent sense of hearing and sight. This helps them detect predators such as eagles, leopards, and snakes. When threatened, the animals really know how to make a racket. They will emit a loud, high-pitched scream to alert the rest of the group. (We’re getting increasingly grateful these don’t live in our backyard.)

Turning animals into oil?!

Hyrax oil, also known as rock rabbit oil or dassie oil, is a type of oil that is extracted from the fatty tissues of hyraxes. It has been used for a variety of purposes, including in traditional medicine, as a fuel source, and for cosmetic and perfume production.

Historically, this oil has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as skin conditions, ear infections, and rheumatism. It has also been used as a lubricant and fuel source for lamps and candles.

In some cultures, hyrax oil has also been used in cosmetics and perfumes due to its distinctive musky odor. However, the use of their oil in modern cosmetic and perfume production is not common, and synthetic musk fragrances have largely replaced it.

Despite its historical use in traditional medicine and other industries, the harvesting of hyrax oil is considered illegal in many countries due to the endangered status of some hyrax species. As a result, it has largely fallen out of favor in modern times.

—WTF fun facts

Source: “Hyrax” — Encyclopedia Britannica