Interest in stratospheric parachute jumps was rekindled by Felix Baumgartner, who planned to jump from an altitude of 36 kilometers. On Tuesday, 9 October 2012, Baumgartner had to postpone his jump even though he had already climbed into the balloon capsule. An unexpected gust of wind, reaching approximately 40 km/h, twisted the balloon’s delicate envelope […]
Annexation (from the Latin annectere, meaning “to join”) is the unilateral incorporation by one state of all or part of another state’s territory. Unlike occupation, which refers to effective control over territory by a foreign military, annexation asserts that the territory has become part of...
Catholics around the world have followed the historic events taking place in Vatican City. Pope Benedict XVI, who led the Catholic Church for nearly eight years, officially announced his resignation on 11 February 2013. The previous papal resignation had taken place almost six centuries earlier, whe...
Nuts are a favorite food not only of Jumbo the elephant. Humans also enjoy these nutritious, delicious foods. It’s time to give nuts the recognition they deserve, and today we’re looking at some of the most remarkable examples. Here are ten nuts that stand out for unusual qualities. 1 Th...
Many foods and drinks once popular in different parts of Europe have become less common as tastes and shopping habits have changed. Here are ten nostalgic products that can be difficult to find today. 1 Jell-O Pudding Pops These creamy frozen desserts became a hit in the United States during the 198...
Before human spaceflight became possible, scientists sent animals into space to study the effects of weightlessness, radiation and launch conditions on living organisms. From dogs and monkeys to tiny insects, these pioneering space travellers helped shape our understanding of space biology. 1 Dogs D...
What food should be on a festive table to make it look luxurious? Caviar, of course! Red caviar is a popular choice, while black caviar is often considered the ultimate luxury. Everyone knows how expensive it can be, and many have heard that fish roe contains a remarkable range of nutrients. After a...
Renewable energy is expanding rapidly around the world. Environmental concerns, energy security and falling technology costs are encouraging countries to invest in solar, wind, hydropower and other renewable sources. However, progress varies considerably: some countries lead in the total amount of r...
Almost every wealthy person eventually acquires a wine collection, whether small, large, or truly enormous. Even those who prefer other drinks may keep a collection of fine wines, because wine is not merely a beverage: it can also be a symbol of status, history, and refined taste. Some bottles have...
For centuries, humans have considered themselves the “crown of creation,” proudly believing in their superiority and treating the environment as though the planet belonged to them. Yet nature repeatedly reminds us of the limits of human power. The devastating toll of natural disasters is a sobering...
Some people adore cats, others love dogs, while many are fascinated by aquarium fish. They can spend hours watching these finned creatures glide through their glass underwater worlds. Now imagine how they feel when they enter enormous aquariums filled with marine life from oceans and seas around the...
A walk through the quiet halls of a natural history museum can be a great way to spend a hot day. But jokes aside, natural history museums have always attracted enormous curiosity from people of all ages. For many scientists, the fascination with prehistoric life began in halls just like these. So w...
Pirates! The legendary outlaws of the seas. For centuries, their names have inspired fear, fascination and countless stories. Captain Flint, Jack Sparrow, Long John Silver, Captain Hook… the list of fictional pirates is almost endless. But behind the legends were real men and women who raided ships,...
Majestic, alluring and mysterious, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks. But, despite its imposing name, it is not the largest canyon in every category. Our planet is full of enormous gorges and valleys whose dimensions can be difficult to compare because scient...
Throughout history, women have not only cared for their families but have also taken up arms to defend their lands, fight for power, and lead armies into battle. From historical military leaders to legendary warrior queens, these remarkable figures challenged the expectations of their times and left...
“I know your magic, olive tree, you draw blood from the earth for the world.” Federico García Lorca (Spanish poet) The fruit of the olive tree – the olive – has been cultivated for thousands of years and has played an important role in the cultures of the Mediterranean and the Near East....
Space telescopes are astronomical observatories operating above Earth’s atmosphere. Why are they needed? Earth’s atmosphere absorbs or distorts much of the electromagnetic radiation coming from space, while observations across different wavelengths allow astronomers and astrophysicists t...
The territory of the ancient Roman Empire covered not only much of Europe, but also parts of North Africa and Asia, as well as numerous islands. Naturally, maintaining control over such a vast territory required a huge army. But soldiers also needed mobility – the ability to move quickly from one pl...
Throughout history, some people have miraculously survived executions that should have ended their lives, from failed hangings to malfunctioning electric chairs. Here are 10 extraordinary stories of people who survived death sentences, although some of these historical accounts remain disputed or di...
How many people spend the precious moments of their existence that they have been given in human form simply pursuing material goals, while the achievements of generations of scientists, researchers, and inventors continue to shape civilization? Earning money, buying food, fashionable clothes, an ex...