Fascinating Facts from Around the World
1. The Speed of Light
The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second). This means that light from the sun takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth.
2. The Ocean Depths
The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest known part of the world's oceans. It reaches a depth of about 10,994 meters (36,070 feet), which is greater than the height of Mount Everest!
3. The Human Body
The human body is made up of approximately 60% water. Water is vital for every bodily function, from digestion to regulating temperature. In addition, the heart is a powerful muscle, beating around 100,000 times per day!
4. Earth's Rotation
Earth spins on its axis, completing one full rotation every 24 hours. However, due to gravitational interactions with the Moon, Earth’s rotation is gradually slowing down, lengthening our days by about 1.7 milliseconds per century.
5. The Age of the Universe
The universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old. This estimate comes from observing the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation and the expansion of the universe, leading scientists to understand its beginning with the Big Bang theory.
6. Animal Kingdom
The blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) in length and weigh as much as 200 tons. Despite their size, blue whales primarily feed on tiny shrimp-like animals called krill.