The Mini Museum Library - Articles, Essays, Specimen Deep Dives, and Current Research

COOL THINGS! (VOL 2.4)

August 4, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the May 2021 issue of Cool Things! Each month, we want to bring you news on scientific discoveries, historical information, and other interesting finds from across the internet. We have a lot to share today, so let's dive in!

Planet T. Rex

Above: Anger Issues!

The Tyrannosaurus Rex is a terrifying creature, the king of the Cretaceous with teeth the size of kitchen knives. If that wasn't scary enough, now imagine 2.5 BILLION of them. That's the estimate a new study gives for the total population of the species. That puts about 1 T. Rex for every three people on Earth. Luckily for other dinosaurs, this massive population is due to the T. Rex's longevity as a species. It's likely there were only ever 20,000 rexes living at a time during the millions of years the species roamed the world.

You can read more about the study here and browse our collection of Tyrannosaurus Rex specimens here! If you're looking for something really special, check out this one of a kind T. Rex Tooth necklace. T. Rex Tooth Pendant

The one of a kind, 1.1 inch Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth necklace!

The fossil tooth is capped with a gorgeous sterling silver chain and comes from the mouth of a real Tyrannosaurus. We only have one available, so if you like what you see, act fast!

Recipe for an Atmosphere

Above: Artist's depiction of Kepler-186f, an Earth like exoplanet. Source: JPL-Caltech

The connection between a planet's geologic composition and atmospheric makeup hasn't been well understood, but a new series of experiments is using chondritic meteorites to shed some light on that question. These stony meteorites were formed early in the solar system's history and are composed of the same matter that would eventually become the planets we know today. Some bubbles of ancient atmosphere have actually survived over time, preserved in process that creates fulgurites, or petrified lightning!

You can read more about the study here and check out our new samples of the NWA 869 meteorite to learn more about what makes chondritic meteorites so special!

"We're Gonna Need a Bigger Needle"

Above: Get your shot in the deep blue sea! Credit: AMNH

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is an amazing institution for learning and science and now it's opening its doors as a COVID-19 vaccination site. Patients will be able to get their shot below the iconic 94 foot long blue whale model in the Hall of Ocean Life. It looks like the Cetacean got a jab of its own too, judging from the new bandage over its flipper. Sign us up!

Monkeydactyl: The First Thumbs
An artist's depiction of the Monkeydactyl

An artist's depiction of the Monkeydactyl

Above: The Monkeydactyl grabs a snack... Cute, terrifying, or both? Credit: Chuang Zhao

What's got two thumbs, a pair of wings, and teeth to boot? Monkeydactyl! This newly discovered animal, known by its official name as Kunpengopterus antipollicatus, was a 160 million year old reptile that stalked the forests of Jurassic China. What sets this creature apart is its clawed, opposable thumbs, which allowed it to climb trees and catch prey. This is the earliest instance of opposable thumbs discovered, making Monkeydactyl the first of its kind. We give it two thumbs up!

Growing Microscopic Salt!
A salt crystal shaped like a sheep!

Above: A salt sheep standing on salt legs. Credit: Science Magazine

As water evaporates, it leaves behind any saturated materials. With salt, this creates tiny crystal structures, which ordinarily aren't a big deal. However, pipes that see a lot of water moving through them can experience a build up that leads to clogging and damage. To solve this, engineers have developed a new material with nanoscopic holes. This material forces the salt crystals to grow upwards in stalks, which makes them less likely to stick to the inside of the pipes, washing them away and preventing build up. A fun side effect of this process means the salt crystals resemble microscopic sheep! Take a look!

❤️🚀 Remembering Michael Collins
Apollo 11 Astronaut, Michael Collins

Above: U.S. Astronaut Michael Collins, 1969. Source: NASA

When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the surface of the Moon, Collins piloted the command module in orbit, making sure the astronauts made a safe trip home. After the Apollo mission, Collins became the first director of the newly named National Air and Space museum and played an instrumental role in expansion of the space wing.

Collins' work at both institutions of science and of learning will always be remembered. Michael Collins aboard the Apollo 11 mission.

Michael Collins aboard the Apollo 11 mission.

"It’s human nature to stretch, to go, to see, to understand. Exploration is not a choice, really; it’s an imperative.” -Michael Collins

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Cool Things!

Vader’s Lightsaber Becomes the Most Expensive Star Wars Collectible!

Last Thursday, an auction set a new record for Star Wars memorabilia, when a screen-used prop of Darth Vader’s lightsaber sold for over $3.6 million.

Learn About the Tiny Aircraft That Turn Sunlight Into Flight!

Of the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, the mesosphere (the third layer from Earth’s surface) is a height at which traditional aircraft have, thus far, been unable to reach on their own power. Generally beginning about 154,000 feet above sea level, even the world record for highest aircraft altitude falls about 20,000 feet short. However, a newly developing technology may change this reality, and it involves aircraft that punch high above their weight.

Learn About The Newly Discovered Species of Early Humans!

In studying early human ancestors, known as “hominids,” anthropologists have historically found much wider variations from specimen to specimen than expected, particularly among other paleontological fields. A recent study argues that certain groups of hominid fossils previously thought to be an already discovered species constitute a new one entirely.

Specimen Deep Dives

Old Ironsides: The USS Constitution and the Start of the U.S. Navy

After the costly Revolutionary War, the young United States was unable to afford to maintain a Co...

The Hollywood Sign: The Story of a City's Symbol Hollywoodland

For nearly a century, the Hollywood Sign has stood on the southern slope of Mount Lee overlooking...

Building Disneyland

On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened its gates for the first time. Instantly capturing the imagina...

Long Form Articles

The Artist Behind the Macintosh: Susan Kare and Apple Computers

While the two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, are the most well known faces behind Apple computers, equally important to the products and culture of the company were those who crafted the experience of using their computers through design. The most notable of these visual architects was Susan Kare, a designer responsible for “humanizing” Macintosh computers.

Can I Lick It? Yes You Can!

Have you ever been unable to tell if a fossil was really a fossil, but you were too embarrassed to admit it? Have you ever wanted to lick a fossil just because, but you didn’t want to risk judgment from your peers? Well, good news! You can kill two birds with one stone! Licking a fossil can actually help you determine if it’s the real deal or just another rock.

Is It Legal To Own a Meteorite: How to Start Your Outer Space Collection!

Meteorites are some of the rarest geological specimens to be found on Earth. Of course, since these stones are not of our world, purchasing them can sometimes be a confusing process. Is it legal to own a meteorite? In short, yes! Read on for help starting your cosmic collection!

COOL THINGS! (VOL 2.4)

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SR-71 Blackbird Fragment

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