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TIL that the software to create the black hole in the movie 'Interstellar' is a full implementation of Einstein's equations in 40,000 lines of C++, and rendered thousands of 23-megapixel IMAX frames on a 32,000-core render farm at about 20 core-hours per frame

Read more arxiv.org

via reddit.com

BDEW TIL the last Emperor of Brazil Pedro II became ruler aged 5. He had a grim, lonely childhood studying for duty. He won 3 wars, turned Brazil into a global power & abolished slavery. After 58 years he grew weary, accepting a military coup. He lived his last days alone in Europe on very little money.
6mr7 TIL that The Shawshank Redemption’s director and writer, Frank Darabont, was offered $2.5 million from Rob Reiner to let him write and direct it instead, and cast Tom Cruise as Andy and Harrison Ford as Red. Darabont refused, saying that this was his “chance to do something really great.”
j67KX TIL In 1998, the city of Rochester lost its city status due to a technical oversight when the local government structure underwent reorganisation. It took four years for them to realise they had lost it.
5VnwP TIL in 1995, the city of Taiyuan in China was gripped in a panic after a TV ad alerted residents to a "mythical beast" roaming the streets, advising people to stay indoors and board up their homes. It was revealed to be a promotional advert for an upcoming beer brand, causing backlash.
a8DxJ TIL Although Saturn's rings expand up to 175,000 miles from the planet, the main rings only average about 30 feet in height