› added 11 months ago

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TIL researchers are able to study atmospheric composition, stretching back thousands of years, by examining air bubbles trapped in ice

Read more science.nasa.gov

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P5Yn TIL: Margaret Anne Cargill was a philanthropist born into one of the wealthiest families in the world. She gave away more than $200M during her life, always anonymously, and provided that after her death all her wealth go to charity. In 2011 her assets were liquidated, resulting in a $6B donation.
W7Jm9 TIL In 1944 the Japanese Cruiser IJN Tone sunk a British freighter and took 108 survivors onboard, against orders. Admiral Sakonju ordered the prisoners be 'disposed of' and 76 were taken out to sea and Beheaded. Sakonju was hung for war crimes in 1948.
k7Vg TIL Lunar dust smells like gunpowder
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.
M7ZYK TIL in 1908, the first "around the world" auto race began when six cars left New York and travelled 169 days across three continents through mud, blizzards, and nonexistent roads. The American Thomas Flyer won the race after the German team was eliminated from first place due to penalties.