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Places

The Arch Bridge in Kromlau, Germany: Rakotzbrücke [Rakotz Bridge, Devil’s Bridge]

The Arch Bridge in Kromlau, Germany: Rakotzbrücke [Rakotz Bridge]
The Arch Bridge in Kromlau, Germany: Rakotzbrücke (English: Rakotz Bridge) is an arch-shaped bridge in the Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau, a 200 acres (81 ha) landscaped park in the municipality of Gablenz, Saxony, Germany. The park and the bridge built in the 19th century. Like many other spooky bridges in the Europe, it's nicknamed The Devil's Bridge. It was specifically built as a semi-circle, to complete a full circle when it is reflected in the waters beneath it.

Hidden deep within the enchanting Kromlau Park in Saxony, Germany, lies a whimsical gem that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook. Rakotzbrücke, also known as the Devil’s Bridge, is a breathtaking architectural marvel that captivates visitors with its otherworldly beauty and seemingly impossible symmetry. This extraordinary bridge, constructed in the 19th century, showcases a delicate balance between human ingenuity and the ethereal wonders of nature, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors into a realm where reality and fantasy intertwine. Whether you are an ardent traveler seeking hidden gems or simply a lover of picturesque landscapes, Rakotzbrücke promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.

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Places History Travel

Alternative Seven Wonders Of The World

Meteora, Greece
A stunning view of Meteora, Greece, showcasing the remarkable monasteries that grace the towering sandstone pillars, offering a surreal spectacle that perfectly blends human endeavor and the compelling beauty of nature. Image source: Deposit Photos

Beyond the classic Seven Wonders of the World, our planet brims with countless marvels, both natural and human-made, that are worth celebrating. These ‘Alternative Seven Wonders of The World’ offer a fresh perspective on global grandeur, spotlighting the underappreciated yet equally awe-inspiring. This collection embraces diversity and transcends geographical boundaries, venturing to the unexplored corners of the globe to reveal extraordinary sites of culture, history, and unparalleled natural beauty.

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Climate Places Planet Earth

Where is the Rainiest Place on Earth? Discover the Top 10 Wettest Places in the World

Where is the rainiest place in the world?
Where is the rainiest place on Earth? Rain forms when water vapor condenses into droplets heavy enough to fall under gravity. It plays a key role in the water cycle, providing fresh water for ecosystems, hydroelectric power, and agriculture. Rainfall varies due to weather fronts, mountainous terrain, and climate factors like global warming.

Have you ever wondered where the rainiest place on Earth is? Our planet is unique in the solar system, as it’s the only one known to have liquid water on its surface – essential for all forms of life. Rain is a vital part of the water cycle, which moves water continuously on, above, and below Earth’s surface. It also deposits much of the freshwater we rely on. Let’s explore the top ten wettest places on Earth, where rain truly reigns.

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Planet Earth Astronomy Solar System

Where did Earth’s water come from? [Most recent theories]

The Blue Marble (cropped)
Apollo 17 spacecraft took a photo of Earth from space, at a distance of about 45,000 kilometers (28,000 miles). This image, with the official NASA designation AS17-148-22727, became known as "The Blue Marble", one of the most iconic photos of Earth from space. In fact, it was not the first clear image of Earth taken from space - similar photos had already been taken as early as 1967. But, the 1970s were the scene of a big surge in environmental activism. For example, on April 22, 1970, the first "Earth Day" was organized by Gaylord Nelson, former senator of Wisconsin, and Denis Hayes, a Harvard graduate student. Millions of people gather in the United States for the event. So, in today's terms, image AS17-148-22727 went "viral" and became a symbol of the environmental movement, as a depiction of Earth's frailty, vulnerability, and isolation amid the vast expanse of space. According to NASA archivist Mike Gentry, it is among the most widely distributed images in human history.

Earth is a blue marble in space and the water gives our planet its blue color. About 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. There is roughly 326 million cubic miles (1.332 billion cubic kilometers) of water on the Earth’s surface. Almost 97% of that water is salty (ocean water). But where did all that water come from?

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Life on Earth Animals

Nile Crocodiles Have Been Found in Florida

Nile Crocodile
Four Nile crocodiles have been found in Florida by scientists from the University of Florida. Between 2002 and 2004, the researchers have studied populations of crocodiles in Florida. Previously, using DNA analysis, they found three Nile crocs: one was a foot long hatchling sitting on a porch in Miami. Another was found on the property of a private zoo in Homestead, and a third, also in Homestead, a 10-pound (4.5 kg) female, was captured in a public park. Finally, more recently, in March 2012, a three-foot-long (1 meter) female was trapped in a canal in Homestead. The researchers tagged this one and released her to the nature. Two years later, it recaptured and the team calculated its growth rate (40.5 cm/year - 15.95 inches/year) and movement. "The most likely route of travel by waterway (i.e., canal) illustrates that this animal traveled at least 29 km (18 miles) from its original capture site."

In a striking turn of events, the Sunshine State is dealing with a new, unexpected predator. Nile crocodiles, native to sub-Saharan Africa, have recently been identified in Florida, significantly expanding their known geographical range. This finding not only poses a fresh challenge to local ecology but also raises critical questions about invasive species management. The discovery has sent ripples through the wildlife and conservation communities, leading to a scramble for understanding and action.

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Prehistoric Animals Life on Earth

Titans of the past: Largest prehistoric mammals that roamed Earth

The largest prehistoric mammals: Paraceratherium with calf scene, 3D illustration
The largest prehistoric mammals: Paraceratherium with calf scene, 3D illustration. Image source: Deposit Photos

Step back in time and delve into the awe-inspiring world of Earth’s largest prehistoric mammals. These colossal creatures, which once roamed the ancient landscapes, captivate our imaginations with their sheer size and extraordinary adaptations. From towering herbivores to formidable carnivores, the fossil record holds evidence of these titans of the past. Unearthed marvels that defy our present-day reality, these magnificent beings offer a glimpse into a bygone era of our planet’s history. Join us on a journey to discover the captivating tales of these ancient giants and unlock the secrets of their remarkable existence.

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Astronomy Science Fiction

The Planet with Three Suns: KELT-4Ab

Planet with three stars
Astronomers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics discovered a Jupiter-sized hot planet orbiting three stars. The system is 680 light years away from us. In fact, this is the fourth discovery ever of a triple-star system with a planet. So, maybe, this rare phenomenon is more common than we think. The planet was discovered by the Kilodegree Extremely Little Telescope (KELT). Since it is the fourth planet found in such a system, the system is named KELT-4 and the planet KELT-4Ab. KELT-4A is the brightest host of the planet. KELT-4BC is a binary star system subcomponent of the triple. In fact, the chances of these multi-star places being habitable are relatively low, but you never know - maybe somebody out there seeing the stars once in a thousand years. Photo: eso.org

Can a planet have three suns? In March 2016, astronomers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics discovered a Jupiter-sized hot planet with three suns: KELT-4Ab. The planet orbits the star KELT-4A, in the star system KELT-4 system that is 680 light-years away from us.

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Solar System Astronomy

A Scale Model of the Solar System Drawn in the Desert [the Result is Stunning]

Scaled model of the Solar System on Nevada Desert
On a dry lake bed in Nevada, United States, a group of friends built the first scale model of the solar system with complete planetary orbits: a true illustration of our place in the universe. They constructed the model by drawing circles in the desert: they put a 1.5 meter (in diameter) Sun in the center, and draw the planets around it with the scale. The result is stunning.

On a dry lake bed in Nevada, the United States, a group of friends built a scale model of the solar system with complete planetary orbits. They first put a Sun with a diameter of 1.5 meters (5 feet) in the center, and then draw the planets’ orbits accordingly.

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Science Fiction Space Exploration

SpaceX Falcon 9 lands on a barge [and the Science Fiction sees the future again!]

Left: SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 23 landing (2016), right: the landing scene from The Sky Calls (1959 Russian Science Fiction Movie)
Left: SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 23 landing (2016), right: the landing scene from The Sky Calls (1959 Russian Science Fiction Movie)

April 8, 2016, was a historical day that marked a new milestone in humanity’s space adventure: after delivering CRS-8 cargo on its way to the International Space Station, SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 23, the third flight of the full thrust version landed vertically on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You over the Atlantic Ocean, 300 km (185 miles) from the Florida coastline, achieving a long-sought-after milestone for the SpaceX reusability development program.

Here are the videos of that historical moment:

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History Places

What if a nuclear bomb hits your city? [You can find out by using NukeMap]

City hit by nuclear bomb
City hit by nuclear bomb. Image source: Deposit Photos

Have you ever wondered, what if a nuclear bomb hits your own city? In an age of heightened global tensions, the possibility of a nuclear strike may seem like a grim reality. However, thanks to technological advancements, we can now gain a virtual glimpse into the devastating consequences of such an event. NukeMap, a powerful online tool, allows users to simulate the effects of a nuclear explosion in their own city. By inputting specific parameters, one can visualize the extent of destruction, casualties, and long-term effects. Discover the chilling realities of a nuclear bomb strike by harnessing the power of NukeMap.

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