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TIL SN 1006 was a supernova that is likely the brightest observed stellar event in recorded history. Visible in 1006 AD, it was described by observers across China, Japan, modern-day Iraq, Egypt, and Europe, and was recorded in North American petroglyphs.

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awkNN TIL that many non-english languages have no concept of a spelling bee because the spelling rules in those languages are too regular for good spelling to be impressive
NBp6 TIL that the Simpsons’ Episode ‘The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show’ was the writer’s response to Fox requesting they add another character to the family to freshen up the series; a move the writers saw as desperate
nej4G TIL in 2016 a group of hackers almost stole $1 billion from the New York Federal Reserve, but were discovered when they spelled “foundation” as “fandation” in money request transcripts. They still managed to get away with $81 million.
VB0Pm TIL Peter Norman, the Australian silver medalist photographed in the iconic 1968 Olympics photo alongside two black athletes with a raised fist wore a badge in support of their protest, and turned down a lucrative job offer during the 2000 Sydney Olympics because he refused to renounce his actions.
8XjZ TIL Gaius gracchus, the ancient roman politician, had a bounty put on his head to the price of the head’s weight in gold. Although the head was delivered, the prize was never paid, as it was discovered that Gaius’ captor had emptied out his brain and replaced it with molten lead.