30 Surprising Facts That Will Make You Go ‘Whoa’

Jenifer Clark
13 min readJan 2, 2023

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30 Surprising Facts That Will Make You Go ‘Whoa’
30 Fun Facts

Are you ready to have your mind blown with some amazing facts that you never knew about everything? From science and history to the natural world and beyond, this blog post is packed with 30 fun facts that will leave you in awe and questioning everything you thought you knew. So grab a snack and get ready to have your mind expanded with these incredible tidbits of knowledge!

Fact #1

Did you know that the human nose can detect over 1 trillion different scents? That’s right, our sense of smell is much more powerful than we often give it credit for. In fact, the olfactory system in our brain is capable of distinguishing between thousands of different odors, making it one of the most finely tuned senses we have. So next time you catch a whiff of something funky, just remember that your nose is much more sensitive than you might think!

Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash

Fact #2

Did you know that the lifespan of a single taste bud is only about 10 days? That’s right, our taste buds are constantly being replaced, with new ones growing in to take their place. This is why our sense of taste can change over time and why certain foods that we may have disliked as children might become more appealing to us as adults. So next time you’re trying a new food, give it a chance — your taste buds might surprise you!

image source by freepik

Fact #3

Did you know that the Earth is actually not a perfect sphere? Despite what you might have learned in school, the Earth is actually slightly flattened at the poles and bulges at the equator, giving it an oblate spheroid shape. This is due to the Earth’s rotation, which causes the planet to bulge slightly at the equator and flatten out at the poles. So next time someone tells you the Earth is a perfect sphere, you can impress them with your knowledge of planetary shape!

Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash

Fact #4

Did you know that a group of flamingos is called a “flamboyance”? That’s right, these elegant birds have a unique term for their social groupings. Flamingos are known for their stunning pink feathers and long legs, and they can often be found standing on one leg in shallow water while feeding on small crustaceans. Next time you see a group of flamingos, you can impress your friends by calling them a flamboyance!

Image Source: The Atlantic

Fact #5

Did you know that the human brain is capable of creating more electrical impulses in a single day than all the telephones in the world combined? That’s right, our brains are incredibly powerful organs that are constantly working to keep us alive and functioning properly. In fact, the brain uses about 20% of the body’s total energy, despite only making up about 2% of the body’s mass. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember that your brain is capable of handling an incredible amount of activity and information!

image source by visible body

Fact #6

Did you know that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space with the naked eye? That’s right, this massive wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was built over the course of several centuries to protect the Chinese empire from invaders. Despite being visible from space, the Great Wall is actually not a continuous structure and is made up of many different sections that were built at different times by different dynasties. So next time you’re dreaming of traveling to space, remember that you don’t have to leave Earth to see an incredible feat of human engineering

image source by archdaily

Fact #7

Did you know that the human tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, pound for pound? That’s right, despite being a relatively small muscle, the tongue is capable of exerting a lot of force and is essential for speaking, swallowing, and tasting. In fact, the tongue is made up of several different muscles that work together to allow us to perform these functions, making it an incredibly complex and important part of the body. So next time you’re struggling with a particularly tough workout, just remember that your tongue is much stronger than you might think!

image source by healthline

Fact #8

Did you know that the Earth is actually moving through space at an incredible speed? In fact, the Earth is orbiting the sun at a speed of about 67,000 miles per hour, and the sun is also moving through the Milky Way galaxy at an estimated speed of about 220,000 miles per hour. This means that we are constantly on the move, even though it may not feel like it. So next time you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, just remember that you are actually always in motion through the vast expanse of space!

image source by pixabay

Fact #9

Did you know that the average person spends about six months of their lifetime waiting on a red light to turn green? That’s right, whether we’re driving, walking, or biking, we spend a significant amount of time waiting for traffic signals to change. In fact, some estimates put the total lifetime waiting time at closer to a year, which is a lot of time spent standing around doing nothing. So next time you’re waiting at a red light, try to make the most of it and enjoy the moment — it’s a small but significant part of your life!

Fact #10

Did you know that the human body is made up of about 60% water? That’s right, water is an essential component of the human body and plays a critical role in many of its functions. In fact, the average adult body is made up of about 40–60% water, depending on age, gender, and other factors. So next time you’re feeling thirsty, remember that your body is craving water to help it function properly — be sure to stay hydrated!

Fact #11

Did you know that the average person has about 100,000 hairs on their head? That’s right, our scalp is home to a vast network of hair follicles that produce the strands of hair that make up our mane. On average, a person will lose about 100 hairs per day, which is replaced by new hair growing in. So next time you’re stressing about a bad hair day, just remember that you have plenty of hair to work with!

image source by freepik

Fact #12

Did you know that the human body has over 600 muscles? That’s right, our bodies are filled with muscles that allow us to move, lift, and perform various other functions. In fact, the human body is made up of about 40% muscle mass, which is essential for our overall health and well-being. So next time you’re hitting the gym or working out, remember that you are using and strengthening a complex network of muscles to get in shape!

image source by shoulder pain explained

Fact #13

Did you know that the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases? That’s right, the air we breathe is made up of a specific mix of gases that is essential for life on Earth. In fact, the atmosphere is so important that it protects us from the sun’s harmful UV rays and helps regulate the temperature of the planet. So next time you’re taking a deep breath of fresh air, remember that you are breathing in a unique and essential mix of gases that sustain life on Earth!

image source by byjus

Fact #14

Did you know that the human heart is capable of pumping over 2,000 gallons of blood per day? That’s right, our hearts are powerful pumps that work tirelessly to keep blood flowing through our bodies. In fact, the average human heart will beat about 100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through the body’s circulatory system. So next time you’re feeling exhausted or stressed out, just remember that your heart is working hard to keep you going!

image source by britannicia

Fact #15

Did you know that the human eye can distinguish between over 10 million different colors? That’s right, our eyes are incredibly sensitive organs that are capable of perceiving a vast array of colors and shades. In fact, the human eye can distinguish between more colors than any other known organism on Earth. So next time you’re marveling at the beauty of a rainbow or a colorful sunset, remember that your eyes are capable of perceiving an incredible range of colors!

image source by Twinkl

Fact #16

Did you know that the Earth’s oceans contain about 97% of all the water on the planet? That’s right, the vast majority of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans, with only about 3% being fresh water that is available for human use. In fact, the Earth’s oceans are so vast and deep that they contain about 20 million tons of gold, though it is scattered in such small amounts that it is not economically feasible to extract. So next time you’re enjoying a day at the beach or gazing out at the ocean, remember the incredible power and mystery of the Earth’s oceans!

image source by NASA Earth Observatory

Fact #17

Did you know that the average person spends about a third of their life asleep? That’s right, sleep is an essential part of human life and is necessary for our physical and mental health. In fact, the average adult needs about 7–9 hours of sleep per night to function properly, and studies have shown that getting enough sleep can improve memory, boost immune function, and even help with weight loss. So next time you’re feeling tired or run down, remember that getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel your best!

Fact #18

Did you know that the human brain is capable of generating more electrical impulses in a single day than all the world’s power plants combined? That’s right, our brains are incredibly powerful organs that are constantly working to keep us alive and functioning properly. In fact, the brain uses about 20% of the body’s total energy, despite only making up about 2% of the body’s mass. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember that your brain is capable of handling an incredible amount of activity and information!

image source by johns hopckins medicine

Fact #19

Did you know that the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases? That’s right, the air we breathe is made up of a specific mix of gases that is essential for life on Earth. In fact, the atmosphere is so important that it protects us from the sun’s harmful UV rays and helps regulate the temperature of the planet. So next time you’re taking a deep breath of fresh air, remember that you are breathing in a unique and essential mix of gases that sustain life on Earth!

Fact #20

Did you know that the Earth’s oceans contain about 97% of all the water on the planet? That’s right, the vast majority of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans, with only about 3% being fresh water that is available for human use. In fact, the Earth’s oceans are so vast and deep that they contain about 20 million tons of gold, though it is scattered in such small amounts that it is not economically feasible to extract. So next time you’re enjoying a day at the beach or gazing out at the ocean, remember the incredible power and mystery of the Earth’s oceans!

Fact #21

Did you know that the human eye can distinguish between over 10 million different colors? That’s right, our eyes are incredibly sensitive organs that are capable of perceiving a vast array of colors and shades. In fact, the human eye can distinguish between more colors than any other known organism on Earth. So next time you’re marveling at the beauty of a rainbow or a colorful sunset, remember that your eyes are capable of perceiving an incredible range of colors!

Fact #22

Did you know that the average person has about 100,000 hairs on their head? That’s right, our scalp is home to a vast network of hair follicles that produce the strands of hair that make up our mane. On average, a person will lose about 100 hairs per day, which is replaced by new hair growing in. So next time you’re stressing about a bad hair day, just remember that you have plenty of hair to work with!

Fact #23

Did you know that the human heart is capable of pumping over 2,000 gallons of blood per day? That’s right, our hearts are powerful pumps that work tirelessly to keep blood flowing through our bodies. In fact, the average human heart will beat about 100,000 times per day, pumping about 2,000 gallons of blood through the body’s circulatory system. So next time you’re feeling exhausted or stressed out, just remember that your heart is working hard to keep you going!

Fact #24

Did you know that the average person spends about a third of their life asleep? That’s right, sleep is an essential part of human life and is necessary for our physical and mental health. In fact, the average adult needs about 7–9 hours of sleep per night to function properly, and studies have shown that getting enough sleep can improve memory, boost immune function, and even help with weight loss. So next times you’re feeling tired or run down, remember that getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel your best!

Fact #25

Did you know that the human brain is the most complex organ in the human body? That’s right, our brains are incredibly complex structures that are responsible for controlling all of our thoughts, movements, and behaviors. In fact, the brain is made up of over 100 billion nerve cells and trillions of connections between them, making it the most complex organ in the human body. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a difficult task or problem, just remember that your brain is more than capable of handling it!

Fact #26

Did you know that the Earth is the only planet in our solar system with liquid water on its surface? That’s right, water is an essential component of life on Earth, and it is one of the key factors that makes our planet so unique and habitable. In fact, scientists believe that the presence of water on Earth is what makes it such a suitable place for life to thrive. So next time you’re enjoying a refreshing drink of water or taking a dip in a lake, remember that our planet’s water is a precious and essential resource!

Fact #27

Did you know that the Earth is actually moving through space at an incredible speed? In fact, the Earth is orbiting the sun at a speed of about 67,000 miles per hour, and the sun is also moving through the Milky Way galaxy at an estimated speed of about 220,000 miles per hour. This means that we are constantly on the move, even though it may not feel like it. So next time you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, just remember that you are actually always in motion through the vast expanse of space!

Fact #28

Did you know that the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases? That’s right; the air we breathe is made up of a specific mix of gases that is essential for life on Earth. In fact, the atmosphere is so important that it protects us from the sun’s harmful UV rays and helps regulate the temperature of the planet. So next time you’re taking a deep breath of fresh air, remember that you are breathing in a unique and essential mix of gases that sustain life on Earth!

Fact #29

Did you know that the human body is made up of about 60% water? That’s right, our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water, which is essential for proper functioning and health. In fact, water is involved in almost every aspect of our body’s processes, from digestion and metabolism to circulation and temperature regulation. So next time you’re feeling thirsty or dehydrated, remember the importance of staying hydrated and the vital role that water plays in our bodies!

Fact #30

Did you know that the human brain is the most complex organ in the human body? That’s right; our brains are incredibly complex structures that are responsible for controlling all of our thoughts, movements, and behaviors. In fact, the brain is made up of over 100 billion nerve cells and trillions of connections between them, making it the most complex organ in the human body. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by a difficult task or problem, just remember that your brain is more than capable of handling it!

Conclusion

Thank the reader for sticking with us through all 30 fun facts! We hope you learned something new and were entertained by the amazing and sometimes surprising things we learned about the world around us. Don’t forget to share these fun facts with your friends and family, and let us know if you have any more amazing facts that you’d like to share with us. Thanks for reading!

image source by dreamstime.com

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Jenifer Clark
Jenifer Clark

Written by Jenifer Clark

Hi, I'm Jenifer Clark and i have good experience in writing and research and I love sharing my knowledge and experience with others.

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