› added 8 months ago

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TIL that volcanic eruptions can cool the Earth's climate. When a volcano erupts, it releases sulfur dioxide, which converts to sulfuric acid in the atmosphere and forms fine sulfate aerosols. These aerosols reflect sunlight back into space, leading to temporary global cooling.

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via reddit.com

AnDd TIL that in medieval times “Cat-burning” was an accepted practice thought to bring good luck. It was custom to burn a barrel full of live cats over a bonfire as people shrieked with laughter while they were singed and roasted. French Kings often witnessed it and even ceremoniously started the fire.
nevAP TIL that there is credible evidence and sworn eyewitness reports, that Gustav Weißkopf was the first person to ever fly a powered aeroplane, while the Wright brothers tried everything to discredit Weißkopf with dubious articles and contracts.
m14ky TIL that there is an island off the coast of Long Island, New York that has been been privately owned by the same family for 400 years
e0QY6 TIL Pat Morita was originally denied the opportunity to audition for the role of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid and only got the part because he grew his hair and beard out during a low point in his life and the producers didn't recognize him when he he was accidentally invited for a script reading.
4XJPN TIL Instagram racked up $20 billion in ad revenue in 2019, handily eclipsing YouTube's $15.1 billion -- yes, the most popular video site on the planet wasn't as lucrative as a photo-focused social network.