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Random Facts


Measurement facts


How people measured things in the early days

In early times various body parts were used as tools and guides, hence the word "feet," or "the rule of thumb."

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Time telling

There are 3 basic ways of telling time. a) rotational : rotation of the earth b) dynamic: motion of the moon and planets c) atomic: oscillation within atoms.

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How long is a yard?

The term "yard", was determined by King Henry I of England. The distance from his nose to the tip of his middle finger with arm extended became the standard "yard" measurement term.

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What measurement do you use for long or deep measurements?

The term "league" is used for measuring long distance over land and is equal to 3 miles. Just to make things confusing a nautical "league" is a different measurement & is equal to 3 nautical miles or 3.452 miles.

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How long is a year?

The exact length of time for the earth to rotate around the sun is 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds

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Getting a taxicab ride.

The term, "taxicab", was formed from combining the word, taximeter and cabriolet. Taximeter is a tool for measuring time and distance and a cabriolet is a 2 wheeled 1 horse carriage.

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What does horsepower mean?

The term "horsepower", is the unit of energy needed to lift 550lbs 1ft. in the air for 1 second by an average strength horse.

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When will that squirrel come out of hibernation?

The longest time spent in hibernation goes to the Burrowground squirrel with 9 months of hibernation.

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Is Antarctica completely frozen?

Antarctica is the 5th largest continent and approximately 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice which averages 1 mile in thickness. Predictions on when global warming will lead to ice-less polar regions ranges from 2012-2050. Scientists agree it's not a matter of if, but when.

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What animal gets its name from the Galapagos Island?

The Galapagos tortoise was named after the Galapagos islands. Some adult Galapagos tortoises can measure up to 4ft. long and weigh up to 660lbs. Their average lifespan is 150-200 years.

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