Mesopotamian base-60 system hours circle degrees

An ancient number system still shapes our clocks and circles

Ancient Mesopotamians used a number system based on 60. Traces of it remain in everyday measurements: an hour has 60 minutes, and a circle has 360 degrees.

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The Moon is moving farther from Earth

~38 mm/year

Laser measurements show that the Moon moves about 38 millimeters farther from Earth each year. Earth's days are lengthening as tidal friction transfers angular momentum from Earth's rotation to the Moon's orbit.

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Acidic foods are easier to can safely

Acidic fruits can often be safely canned with boiling water. Less acidic foods, such as vegetables and meat, need the higher temperatures of pressure canning. The food's acidity determines how much heat is needed.

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