From Krembo to GPS: Fascinating World Facts

• Did you know about Earthrise photography?
In 1968, astronaut William Anders flew on the Apollo 8 mission, which was the first to orbit the moon. While in orbit, he took a photo of Earth rising above the moon's surface. The picture reminds us just how small and precious our planet is in the vast universe that Hashem created.

• Ever heard of light pollution?
We often talk about air or water pollution, but light pollution is also a problem. Artificial lights from cities and towns make it hard to see stars at night and can confuse animals, affect plant life, and disturb natural sleep and activity rhythms.

• Which lake hides World War II treasures?
As World War II was ending, the Nazis threw boxes of stolen gold and fake money into Lake Toplitz in the Austrian Alps. Because the water is low in oxygen, the fallen tree trunks on top of the treasures haven’t rotted, making the hidden items nearly impossible to recover.

• Guess where krembo was invented?
Even though Israelis love krembo, it was likely invented in Denmark in the 1800s. The Danish version is made with cream, a butter cookie base, and rich dark chocolate.

• When do eyes stop growing?
A baby’s eyes are already 75% of their full size at birth. They grow quickly in early childhood and usually stop growing at a young age. That’s why children’s eyes often look so big compared to the rest of their face.

• Who invented the Nobel Prize?
Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, regretted the damage his invention caused. In his will, he asked for a foundation to be created that would reward people who help the world. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize has honored people who make important contributions in science, peace, and more.

• How does GPS work?
GPS devices connect to 24 satellites that circle Earth about 15,000 kilometers up. By checking the distance between your location and several satellites, the GPS can figure out exactly where you are and help you get wherever you want to go.