› added 7 months ago

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TIL that only 100 years ago, we (humans) thought that the "Milky Way" and the "Universe" were the same thing, until Edwin Hubble determined that there were "other" galaxies.

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PY1eJ TIL J.K Rowling invented Quidditch while in a pub.
M488 TIL that reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone changed the entire geography of the park: as elk were displaced, saplings that would have been eaten by elk were spared, riverbank erosion was brought under control, and streams and rivers shifted their courses.
neWo9 National Geographic explorer and grantee Gregg Treinish wants everyone to know about the hidden toxic cost of synthetic fabrics. Tiny, invisible microplastics are entering our waterways straight from our washing machines. About 2,000 synthetic particles are released from washing a single polyester fleece jacket. All clothing items—including cotton and wool—shed micro-fibers when washed, but the natural fibers biodegrade. Synthetic particles don't degrade and can absorb toxins while traveling through the waterways. If they're eaten by small organisms, such as fish, they can bioaccumulate and end up on our dinner plates. Read more about how you can minimize microplastics' impact on the environmentMore from Gregg TreinishClick here to read more about microplastics in the ocean
p8wLb TIL the former dictator of the Central African Republic, Jean-Bédel Bokassa, forced the nation's school children to buy expensive uniforms from a company he owned. When the children protested, he had 100 of them executed as an example.
LkjOP TIL about Laconic phrase. When Philip II invaded southern Greece, he asked the Spartans whether he should come as friend or foe. They replied "Neither". Irate, he demanded they surrender, for if he came, they would be destroyed, prompting the response "If".