› added 3 years ago

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TIL that in 2016 a research ship was named The RRS Sir David Attenborough. An internet poll to suggest the name of the ship showed the actual winner was the name "Boaty McBoatface," but the Science Minister wanted a "more suitable name" and chose a different name from the poll's choices.

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via reddit.com

eVeg TIL a 1m hammock made from a single-atom thick sheet of graphene could support a 4kg cat, whilst being invisible to the human eye
mxeWO TIL that the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War was neither fought in America nor involved any Americans
9YyJG TIL that if the Yellowstone Supervolcano erupted it would blanket the entirety of the U.S in a layer of ash, as well as most of North America. What would ensue is a potential decade or so of 'Volcanic Winter', where the global temperature would drop significantly, among other issues.
NXVd6 TIL about Harland Fairweather, who died in April 2017, aged 97. He was survived by his mother, who died five months later at age 117.
kOyem TIL Female Jesters existed. One of the most noted was Mathurine de Vallois, who served the 1500s French Court. She wore a flamboyant Amazon Warrior outfit and was famed for her sharp wit and when she managed to capture Henri IV's would-be assassin as the man tried to flee the scene of the crime.