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TIL: Petrus Plancius, in 1612 created the Unicorn Constellation (Monoceros Unicornis) to fill the empty area between two large constellations, Orion and Hydra.

Read more constellation-guide.com

via reddit.com

GAVRg TIL Menthol cough drops may cause rebound coughing
kO8Ne TIL Water is used in rice fields to prevent weeds. Rice doesn't actually need that much water, but since it can thrive in such conditions, whereas weeds cannot, it's a natural protection against them.
ryyd TIL that the Swedish warship Vasa, which famously sank in 1628 less than a mile into its maiden voyage, was built asymmetrically. Archaeologists have found four rulers used by the workers; two turned out to be based on Swedish feet with 12 inches. The other two used Amsterdam feet, with 11 inches.
6E8OW TIL Old Billy lived to 62 years old. He was born in 1760 and died in 1822. He is believed to be the oldest horse that ever lived.
8aQwV TIL that for years after CD players hit the market they remained unpopular and were mostly limited to fans of classical music. Dire Straights then released "Brothers in Arms", the first totally digital album. It sold 30 million copies and is credited with launching CD players into the mainstream.