› added 11 years ago

164

TIL twice a year the sun rises/sets perfectly in line with the NYC grid. It’s called Manhattanhenge and it’s happening today

Read more amnh.org

via reddit.com

rVJd TIL that dreaming may have evolved simply to jostle fluid in the eyes during sleep. This gives the lens of the eye oxygen so that it doesn’t die.
aVwb TIL that Nestle paid $2,238 for 600 million litres of water at one Ontario well in 2010, or 0.0000004 cents a litre.
0LdR TIL that words such as moose, skunk, raccoon, pecan, and squash, all originate from the language of the now-extinct Algonquian tribe, which inhabited what is now Roanoke Island.
8aDEL TIL that Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the ground. It can build up in basements and crawl spaces, increasing the chances of lung cancer when breathed in because of the radiation.
P15rE TIL that woman in the U.S. found an ancient Maya vase for $3.99 while thrifting. Recognizing its similarity to museum artifacts, she felt curious and responsible. After confirming its historical significance, she returned it to Mexico, where authorities verified its authenticity.