› added 5 years ago

186

TIL that on NASA's Gemini XII flight, the computer docking system failed and Buzz Aldrin successfully calculated the docking trajectory using a sextant and a slide rule.

Read more nasa.gov

via reddit.com

0wr9p TIL a necklace recovered from the wreck of the Titanic, belonging to First Class passenger Eleanor Widener, was stolen from a museum in Copenhagen in 2011. Though a priceless historical artifact, the necklace was only valued at $19K, so the museum offered a reward of just $1,000 for its return.
6E70m TIL that Keira Knightley was in Star Wars Episode 1 "The Phantom Menace." She played Sabe, Queen Amidala's double/decoy. She was 12 years old at the time of shooting.
78MRZ TIL Bulgaria has a research base in Antarctica.
A5xw TIL It took 4 million gallons of water 7 hours to flood the Roman Colosseum 5 feet for their famous naval battle reenactments.
oBJBY TIL Italians eat so much bread and pasta that the government will give Celiacs (gluten intolerant) a stipend of up to €140 to spend on Gluten free products.