Antarctica is the world's largest desert!?
When you hear the word "desert," you might imagine a hot, sandy place. But actually, Antarctica is the largest desert in the world. A desert is a place that receives less than 250 mm of rainfall per year. Antarctica is a land of extreme cold, but it is also very dry, with almost no precipitation. Its area is about 14 million square kilometers, which is much larger than the Sahara Desert (about 9.2 million square kilometers). So, Antarctica is an "ice desert"!
The Deepest Blue Hole in the World
The deepest "blue hole" in the world is the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea. It is about 300 meters deep, which is enough to fit the Eiffel Tower inside. A blue hole is a deep, vertical hole in the sea floor, usually formed by the collapse of limestone. For divers and scientists, it is an important place to study marine ecosystems.
The Effect of Music on Plant Growth
It is said that plants grow faster when they listen to music. Scientists have found that plants grow better and healthier when they hear classical music or soft melodies. In particular, low-frequency vibrations may help root development. On the other hand, playing loud rock music can slow down plant growth. This strange effect is thought to be caused by sound vibrations affecting plant cells.
Spider Silk is Stronger than Steel?
Spider silk is stronger than steel of the same thickness. Some spiders produce silk that is very strong and flexible. Because of this, scientists are trying to create artificial spider silk for use in bulletproof vests and medical stitches. However, raising many spiders to make silk is difficult, so large-scale production is not possible yet.
Ice Is Lighter Than Water?
Ice floats on water because its density is lower than water. When water gets colder, it shrinks, but below 0°C, it expands. This happens because water molecules form a hexagonal structure when freezing, creating empty spaces. Thanks to this property, lakes freeze only on the surface in winter, allowing fish to survive.
Can the Great Wall of China Be Seen from Space?
You may have heard that the Great Wall of China can be seen from space with the naked eye. However, this is actually a misunderstanding. Astronauts say that it is very difficult to see the wall from low Earth orbit. The wall is too narrow and blends with the natural landscape, making it hard to distinguish. However, it can be seen using satellites or special cameras.
Was the Eiffel Tower Hated at First?
The Eiffel Tower, now a symbol of France, was disliked when it was first built. It was constructed for the 1889 Paris Expo, but many artists and writers at the time called it an "ugly iron monster." However, over time, people changed their minds, and today it is one of the most visited landmarks in the world.
Did Beethoven Compose Music Even After Losing His Hearing?
Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous composer, started losing his hearing when he was young. Eventually, he became completely deaf. However, he continued to compose music. His famous "Ninth Symphony" was written when he could barely hear. He imagined the sounds in his head while looking at the sheet music. His talent and effort still inspire people around the world today.
The Mystery of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a famous tower in Pisa, Italy, known for its unique tilt. Construction began in the 12th century, but the soft ground caused it to lean. Today, restoration efforts keep it from falling. It is a popular tourist attraction, and many visitors take fun photos that make it look like they are holding up the tower.
The Highest Mountain in the World: Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,848 meters. It is part of the Himalayas and attracts many climbers who aim to reach its peak. However, extreme cold, thin air, and strong winds make the climb very difficult. In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the summit. Today, people from around the world continue to challenge themselves by climbing Everest.
The Great Wall of China’s Grand History
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 21,000 km. The first sections were built about 2,300 years ago to protect against invasions. Some parts are made of stone and bricks, while others are made of earth. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous tourist attraction.
The Mystery of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a massive stone monument in England. It was built about 5,000 years ago, but its purpose remains unknown. Some believe it was an astronomical observatory, a religious site, or an ancient calendar. Scientists are still studying how these huge stones were transported and arranged.
The Incredible Biodiversity of the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. It is home to about 40 billion trees and over 3 million species of plants and animals. The Amazon is often called the "lungs of the Earth" because it produces a large amount of oxygen. However, deforestation is threatening this ecosystem, and conservation efforts are underway worldwide.
The Deepest Place on Earth: The Mariana Trench
The Mariana Trench is the deepest ocean trench on Earth. Its lowest point, the Challenger Deep, is about 11,000 meters deep—deep enough to fit Mount Everest (8,848 meters) inside. This extreme environment is home to deep-sea creatures that can withstand intense pressure. Humans have reached the trench’s deepest point only twice, in 1960 and 2012.
The Grand History of the Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater built in ancient Rome. It was completed in the year 80 AD and could hold around 50,000 spectators. Gladiator battles and fights with wild animals took place here, serving as entertainment for Roman citizens. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous tourist attraction.
The Mystery of the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are a beautiful light phenomenon caused by particles from the sun colliding with Earth's atmosphere. They are often seen in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, glowing in green, red, and purple. In the past, people thought auroras were messages from gods or spirits dancing in the sky. Today, scientists can predict them using modern technology.
The Mystery of Easter Island’s Moai Statues
Easter Island has around 900 giant stone statues called Moai. These statues were made centuries ago, with some standing over 10 meters tall and weighing more than 80 tons. However, how the island’s people moved and placed these massive stones remains a mystery. Recent studies suggest that the Moai may have been "walked" into position.
The Role of a Kangaroo's Tail
Kangaroos use their tails not just for balance but also for movement. When they jump, their tails help stabilize their bodies and absorb impact when landing. While walking, their tails act as a "fifth leg" to help them move forward. This unique way of moving allows kangaroos to travel long distances quickly.
