› added 6 years ago

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TIL the USSR was so massive it covered 1/6 of the world's land — about as big as North America

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5dQ9 TIL The Chernobyl nuclear plant continued to produce electricity until finally decommissioned in 2000.
AAal TIL after the first attempt of the United States to launch a satellite into orbit failed, the Soviet Union offered the United States aid which was earmarked for undeveloped countries.
nWNrY TIL that up until the 19th Century, European scientists had little evidence that birds migrated during the winter. It wasn't until a stork returned with a spear made of African wood through its neck that scientists had significant proof of long-distance migration.
4XpDb TIL that Arrhichion is the only person to have won an Olympic event while dead. His opponent suffocated him during a game of pankration, essentially a no-holds-barred fight, but didn't realize that he had killed Arrhichion and surrendered due to his injuries.
W7XN9 TIL Pinkpop is the oldest and longest running annual dedicated pop and rock music festival in the world.