› added 4 years ago

180

TIL of a NASA position called the "Planetary Protection Officer", and it is a full-time job defending the Earth from aliens- it has existed since the U.S. signed the Outer Space Treaty in 1967, and pays US$187K a year

Read more space.com

via reddit.com

jNbLj TIL Ford invented "Robutt", a robotic butt which simulates drivers repeatedly getting in and out of their cars to test the seats in new Ford vehicles. To better mimick real life usage, like getting into your car after the gym, it also sweats, by feeding half a liter water through the fabric.
v1nA7 TIL that in 1829 the British Prime Minister, the Duke of Wellington, took part in a pistol duel with an Earl who had vehemently disagreed with his plan for Catholic Emancipation. Neither man managed to shoot the other, and the Earl later wrote him an apology
XJ7j TIL that in 1957, the KKK planned to set up a burning cross at a college in Alabama that recently integrated. However, because it was finals week, the students were all in their dorms and heard the KKK outside. The students then attacked the KKK with bats and golf clubs and forced them to retreat.
KYl6R TIL conspiracy is against the law and just one move to enact the plan is enough to get you convicted.
NX8wb TIL when Twin Peaks first aired in Germany, a rival tv station spoiled who killed Laura Palmer