Wikipedia

What if time moved slower the closer you were to a big object? Or if space itself could bend and ripple like a fabric? These are just some of the mind-bending ideas at the heart of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. But relativity is not the easiest concept to understand. This is where Wikipedia shines. The “Introduction to general relativity” article is designed for readers seeking a conceptual understanding without diving into advanced mathematics or physics. It introduces key concepts like spacetime curvature, gravitational waves, and black holes in clear, approachable language. The article incorporates diagrams, simplified explanations, and real-world examples — like how general relativity predicts the bending of light around massive objects (gravitational lensing) — to illustrate abstract ideas. It is a featured article, meaning the Wikipedia community of editors have voted to name it among the best the free encyclopedia has to offer. For those ready to dig deeper, Wikipedia provides links to related articles that tackle advanced topics like Einstein field equations or differential geometry. This layered approach ensures that both beginners and experts find value. General relativity underpins GPS technology, shapes our understanding of the universe, and continues to inspire scientific discovery. Wikipedia ensures that such groundbreaking concepts are not confined to textbooks or academic journals, but are available to curious minds worldwide, regardless of their educational background. Explore the article ➡️ https://w.wiki/CPBA

Did you know that dolphins and sea lions have been trained for military purposes? ⚓ Military programs in the United States and the Soviet Union trained these animals for tasks such as: 🐬 Mine detection: Dolphins use their echolocation to locate underwater mines, providing safer alternatives to traditional methods. 🐬 Object retrieval: Sea lions are trained to retrieve equipment lost at sea, thanks to their excellent eyesight and dexterity. 🐬Harbor defense: Both dolphins and sea lions assist in guarding harbors by detecting and intercepting intruders, including divers or unmanned vehicles. The use of military marine mammals raises ethical questions. While their abilities are impressive, concerns about their welfare are frequently voiced. Dive into this topic ➡️ https://w.wiki/CPB7

How fast can you beat your favorite video game? 🎮 Speedrunning is the act of playing a video game, or section of a video game, with the goal of completing it as fast as possible. Understanding and exploiting the mechanics behind a game requires extensive research, technical knowledge, and an incredible level of precision. Speedrunners essentially reverse-engineer games to uncover the inner workings of their code. Where traditional gameplay focuses on narrative or leisurely enjoyment, speedrunning dives into the technical depths of what makes a game tick. The roots of speedrunning can be traced back to the early days of arcade gaming, but it began gaining traction in the late 1990s. One of the earliest examples was the community that played “Doom”, which established the groundwork for modern speedrunning. Players shared "demo" recordings of their fastest runs, fostering a culture of competition and collaboration. Today, speedrunners often share their “runs” through platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Competitions also act to help grow the modern community. One of the most prominent aspects of speedrunning is the use of glitches — intentional or accidental quirks in a game’s programming. Though there are many “glitchless” competitions as well, speedrunners often exploit glitches to bypass obstacles, skip large portions of a game, or even manipulate the game’s code to achieve impossibly fast times. Speedrunning combines skill, precision, and creativity to achieve the fastest runs possible. Learn more about this world ➡️ https://w.wiki/CPB4

In early January, Earth reaches perihelion, the point in its orbit when it is closest to the Sun. Despite this proximity, much of the Northern Hemisphere is in the grip of winter. This may seem counterintuitive, but it highlights how Earth's seasons are shaped by its axial tilt, not its distance from the Sun. Here are 5 facts about the Earth’s unique orbit 🌞🌍 1️⃣ The Earth’s orbit is not a perfect circle, but an ellipse, with the Sun slightly off-center. This means that while perihelion brings us about 147.1 million kilometers from the Sun, we are farther away during aphelion, which occurs in early July when the distance between Earth and the Sun is about 152.1 million kilometers. The difference, though seemingly large, is small compared to the vast distances of space. 2️⃣ Seasons arise because Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees. During perihelion, the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, receiving less direct sunlight, which causes winter. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere enjoys summer. The opposite happens during aphelion in July. 3️⃣ The concept of Earth’s elliptical orbit comes from Johannes Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, discovered in the early 17th century. Kepler showed that planetary orbits follow an elliptical path, breaking with the centuries-old belief that celestial motions were perfectly circular. 4️⃣ Earth’s orbit is not fixed; it evolves over time due to gravitational interactions with other planets and the Moon. This phenomenon, called orbital eccentricity, changes the shape of Earth’s ellipse in a cycle of about 100,000 years. 5️⃣ As Earth orbits the Sun, it travels at an average speed of about 107,000 kilometers per hour. During perihelion, Earth moves slightly faster because the Sun’s gravitational pull is stronger at closer distances. This acceleration during perihelion is another manifestation of Kepler’s laws. Explore more about Earth’s orbit and celestial mechanics ➡️ https://w.wiki/P9i

🎯 As the new year begins, many people reflect on their aspirations and consider setting resolutions. But what does research say about the process of goal setting? 1️⃣ Clarity and challenge matter: A pioneer goal-setting theory by psychologist Edwin A. Locke emphasizes that specific and challenging goals lead to better performance than vague or easy ones. His research shows that clear, measurable objectives motivate individuals by focusing their attention and effort. 2️⃣ The importance of commitment: Studies show that commitment plays a significant role in achieving goals. For example, publicizing goals or tying them to intrinsic values can strengthen commitment. 3️⃣ Feedback enhances performance: Research highlights that feedback loops are critical. Regular feedback allows individuals to assess progress and adjust strategies, improving goal outcomes over time. 4️⃣ SMART goals framework: Although not invented by a single researcher, the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) are widely discussed in academic and applied settings as a practical approach to effective goal setting. 5️⃣ Breaking down complexity: For long-term or complex goals, dividing them into smaller, manageable sub-goals is supported by research as an effective strategy to maintain focus and reduce psychological barriers. Explore the full topic and its academic foundations ➡️ https://w.wiki/CNVR

Happy Public Domain Day! 🎉 Today we celebrate the creative works that have become free for everyone to use. But what is the public domain? When the copyright of a book, movie, music, art, or other creative work expires, it enters the public domain – meaning anyone can use or reference that work without asking for permission. The legal transition of copyright works into the public domain usually happens every year on 1 January based on the individual copyright laws of each country.⁠ 🔓 Why it matters: 🎭 Creative freedom: Artists, educators, and creators can use public domain works without needing permission or paying fees. 🎨 Cultural preservation: Public domain ensures that classics remain accessible to future generations. 🎞️ Inspiration: From Disney films inspired by fairy tales to modern remixes of old jazz hits, the public domain fuels new creativity. Starting today, many new works can be freely shared and even adapted in new ways by everyone. This is why Public Domain Day is a celebration for free knowledge enthusiasts around the world. See a longer list of what is entering the public domain and learn more on how it works⁠ ➡️ https://w.wiki/CNUL

🎆 Fireworks have dazzled audiences for centuries. As far back as ancient China’s Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), people threw bamboo stems into a fire to produce an explosion with a loud sound. Gunpowder-based fireworks also originated in ancient China. These colorful displays combine chemistry and artistry, as different metal compounds create vibrant colors: strontium for red, barium for green, and copper for blue. Used in festivals and events across the globe, fireworks hold cultural significance, symbolizing joy, triumph, and unity. However, improper use of fireworks is dangerous to participants and bystanders. Both domestic and wild animals can also be frightened by their noise. Many birds abruptly leave their sleeping sites on New Year's Eve, and some fly up to 500 kilometers nonstop to get away from human settlements. There are also concerns about outdoor air pollution. Explore the history and chemistry behind these iconic bursts of light ➡️ https://w.wiki/ByWJ

🐧🎖️Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands, is not your average penguin. He is a member of the military. Since 1972, three successive penguins named Nils Olav have served as the official mascot of the Norwegian King’s Guard. Currently holding the rank of Major General, Nils Olav III resides at the Edinburgh Zoo, in Scotland, where he occasionally inspects the troops and even has his own military insignia. His 'promotions' have become a diplomatic tradition, reflecting the ties between Norway and Scotland. Explore this penguin’s distinguished military career ➡️ https://w.wiki/8ZMJ

🚄 Zoom! High-speed rail represents a leap in transportation technology, allowing trains to travel at speeds of 250 km/h or faster. First pioneered in Japan with the Shinkansen system in 1964, high-speed rail has since spread worldwide, revolutionizing travel across Asia, Europe, and beyond. Today, countries like China, France, and Spain boast extensive networks that connect cities, reduce travel time, and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to air and road travel. Curious about the global impact and history of high-speed rail? Learn more ➡️ https://w.wiki/5Byo

Ever felt like your brain is stuck in a loop of mindless content? That’s brain rot – Oxford Word of the Year 2024, describing the cognitive drain of endless digital scrolling and trivial media. In Internet culture, brain rot refers to media –often low-effort or low quality– that can lead to cognitive fatigue. This content, which might include endless scrolling through social media, binge-watching videos, or mindlessly consuming viral trends, is seen as both mentally draining and unproductive. The term has become a way of expressing the overload caused by the sheer volume of disposable, entertainment-focused material in our daily lives. Interestingly, the term’s origins trace back much further. The first recorded use of "brain rot" was in Henry David Thoreau’s 1854 book “Walden”. Thoreau critiqued what he saw as a decline in intellectual standards, comparing it to the "potato rot" in Europe during the 1840s. He lamented how complex ideas were less appreciated, a sentiment that foreshadowed our current digital overload. The phrase highlights the concern that too much of this type of content can diminish focus and critical thinking, leading to a decline in mental engagement. While brain rot is not a medical term, it reflects growing awareness about how digital consumption affects our minds. In a world of constant distractions, it's a reminder of the need for balance between thoughtful content and mindless scrolling. Explore how "brain rot" has become a cultural reference ➡️ https://w.wiki/CS7u