Trivia, The More You Know

An 11-year-old Named Pluto

In 1930, the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) was struggling to come up with a name for a newly-discovered planet. They considered Minerva, Zeus, Atlas, and Persephone—but it was 11-year-old Venetia Burney Phair who suggested Pluto, inspired by the god of the underworld

Peanuts Can Make Dynamite

Obviously, peanuts are a tasty snack, but did you know they can also be used to make dynamite? When extracted, peanut oil can be turned into glycerol, which can then make nitroglycerine.

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The More You Know

  • Your brain is sometimes more active when you're asleep than when you're awake.
  • Finland has more saunas than cars.
  • War pigs were used in ancient warfare to counter against war elephants, which feared the pigs (and their squeals) and would bolt. War pigs were sometimes lit on fire to enhance this effect.
  • You can buy a completely renovated and converted Boeing 727 jet that accommodates 23 people for less than the cost of a Ferrari.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.