› added 13 years ago

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TIL That the recent Japanese Earthquake shortened the day by 1.8 microseconds and shifted the Earth’s axis by 6.5 inches.

Read more nasa.gov

via reddit.com

wLLk7 TIL US Natl Parks are looking to raise fees to $70. Link to public comment in article.
AvGw TIL astronomer Carl Sagan was denied membership in the National Academy of Sciences, reportedly because his media activities made him unpopular with many other scientists.
J9Rl TIL That the surface gravity of Venus, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are very similar to Earth’s, whilst Mars’ is only about 1/3.
Z8E1a TIL of the time a 59-year-old Louisiana man was captured by South Koreans after trying to cross the Civilian Control Line into North Korea. When questioned, he claimed he was going to "help resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula." All he packed for his heroic escapade was extra underwear.
wE8Y TIL Volkswagen was sued by Czechoslovakian car maker Tatra before WWII because the original Beetle was so similar to the Tatra T97. After Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938 the lawsuit was cancelled by the Nazis