Capella is a big mismatch. It’s a system of four stars, divided into two widely separated pairs. The members of one pair are both about two and a half times the mass of the Sun. But the members of the other pair are only about half the Sun’s mass. As a result, the two pairs face quite different futures. Capella is the brightest star of Auriga, the …

Scientists don’t have a crystal ball to help them foretell the future of the universe. But they can devise ideas about the future based on their understanding of the history of the universe and the laws of nature. Based on that, perhaps the leading idea about the fate of the universe is the Big Freeze: The universe will get colder and darker, and e…

A faint glow fills the entire universe – the “afterglow” of the Big Bang. The glow was created when the first atoms formed – 380,000 years after the Big Bang. But the glow isn’t smooth – it has tiny ripples and bumps. That’s because the universe itself wasn’t smooth – there were slight differences in the density of matter. Without those differences…

Our universe has a long and complicated history. And scientists are still trying to understand it all. The general picture says the universe was born 13.8 billion years ago, in the Big Bang. For the first tiny fraction of a second, the universe expanded at many times the speed of light – an epoch known as cosmic inflation. When inflation ended, the…

It’s hard to imagine a less comfortable place for life than the clouds of Venus. They’re made mainly of sulfuric acid – something you wouldn’t want to dip your fingers into. Yet studies in the past few years are raising at least the possibility that microscopic life could inhabit those clouds. There’s almost no way for anything to live on the surfa…

Star clusters line up in the evening sky at this time of year like pearls on a necklace. As the sky gets nice and dark, they climb straight up the northeastern sky. They stretch from the bright star Capella, which is quite low; up through the “W” of Cassiopeia; then to Cygnus, the tail of the swan, high overhead. There’s a good line of clusters bec…

Many people gripe when we “spring forward” in March, at the start of Daylight Saving Time. And many studies suggest they have reason to complain. For a few days after the switch, there’s an uptick in car accidents, workplace injuries, and even heart attacks. And a recent study shows other consequences: more junk food and less time at the gym. Dayli…

To look at a modern calendar, you’d think the early Romans couldn’t count very well. Today, for example, is the first day of November, the eleventh month of the year. But the name “November” means the ninth month. The name is a holdover from the earliest Roman calendar, in which the year began with March. The start of the year was moved to January …

Some “monstrous” stars decorate the Halloween sky this evening. They’re in Perseus, which is low in the northeast at nightfall but passes directly overhead in the wee hours of the morning. The constellation is marked by a couple of ribbons of moderately bright stars. In mythology, Perseus rescued the princess Andromeda from a nasty sea monster. In …

Autumn’s evening skies offer some constellations with great names, intriguing back-stories, and beautiful star patterns. And then there’s Triangulum. As the name suggests, it consists of three main stars that form a triangle – an accurate if dull description of one of the smallest constellations. The triangle looks like a thin wedge. And there’s an…

Get ready to laugh your pants off in this hilarious episode of the Strange History Podcast! We dive into some seriously funny bathroom-related news stories that will leave you in stitches. From toilet brush protests to hidden notes and unexpected encounters with reptiles, these bathroom tales will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Don't …

In 1959 McCalls put out an article that advised women how to land a man, some of the advice is so far removed from what we know to be appropriate behavior of today. Take a listen and you can hear the standards our parents and grandparents lived by and how far we have come.By Strange History

In this podcast episode of the Strange History Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales, discussing various mythical creatures and characters, such as Greta the Strong, a legendary outlaw and warrior, and Deacon John, a figure known for his pact with the devil and practice of black magic. We also explores t…

In this podcast episode, we're gonna dive into the history and importance of the Book of the Dead in ancient Egyptian culture. We'll talk about why it was created, what it looked like, and how it helped guide people through the afterlife. We'll even check out some cool examples, like the Pyramid Text and the Papyrus of Ani, to get a better understa…

In this episode of "Strange History," we delve into the timeless epic of Gilgamesh, but with a twist – we're exploring the ancient hero as the ultimate bad boy of Mesopotamia. Join us as we uncover the daring exploits, wild adventures, and rebellious spirit of Gilgamesh, the legendary figure who refuses to play by the rules. Discover how this fearl…

Join us on a captivating expedition back in time as we delve into the enigmatic realm of the Sumerians, a civilization that laid the foundation for human progress. In this episode, we unlock the mysteries of their advanced culture, ingenious inventions, and the birth of writing itself. From the epic tales of Gilgamesh to their intricate city-states…

Join us as we dive deep into the iconic world of 'The Simpsons,' exploring its strangest secrets, uncanny predictions, and enduring cultural impact. Each episode, we uncover hidden gems, dissect classic moments, and decode the show's genius. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just curious, our podcast is your ticket to the wacky, satirical, and ever-…

Discover the fascinating life and groundbreaking inventions of Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor known for bringing light to the world with the incandescent bulb, revolutionizing music with the phonograph, and shaping the entertainment industry through early motion pictures. Join us as we explore the genius and innovation behind 'The Wizard of M…

In this episode, we take a step back in time to unearth the intriguing history of the Yerkes Observatory Ghost. Join us as we journey through the annals of this iconic astronomical institution, tracing the origins of the ghostly legend that has haunted its halls for generations. We'll explore the tales, anecdotes, and mysteries that have shrouded Y…

Delve into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories with our podcast episode on the McDonald's Illuminati conspiracy. Join us as we explore the wild claims and speculative stories that suggest a hidden connection between the fast-food giant and the secretive Illuminati society. From hidden symbols in logos to celebrity endorsements, we'll separa…

Join us in this episode of 'Unraveling Mysteries' as we delve into the enigmatic world of the Phantom Time Hypothesis. Discover the claims and controversy surrounding this obscure government conspiracy theory that suggests a significant portion of history might have been fabricated. Explore the motivations behind this theory, the evidence both for …

In this captivating episode, we delve into the heartwarming and astonishing story of Wojtek, the soldier bear who defied convention and forged an unbreakable bond with a unit of Polish soldiers during World War II. From his humble beginnings as a playful cub in Iran to his heroic role in the Battle of Monte Cassino, Wojtek's journey embodies the re…

Fairy Folklore, where we explore the Seelie and Unseelie Court - two mystical realms of fae creatures. The Seelie Court, benevolent and beautiful, grants blessings and brings luck. But don't be fooled, they have their own sense of justice. On the darker side lies the Unseelie Court, unpredictable and mischievous, enjoying toying with mortals. Join …

Learn more about the food you eat and how you love what you love and flies are weird and its not just their eyeballs.By Strange History

Step back in time to the intriguing era of 19th-century America and meet Madame Restell, the enigmatic woman known as the "Arsenic Empress." Join us as we delve into the captivating life and shadowy dealings of this historical figure who captivated society with her controversial practices. Uncover the mysteries behind the use of arsenic, one of the…

Join us for an inspiring episode as we uncover the remarkable tale of 'Judy: The War Dog.' During World War II, a loyal stray dog named Judy formed an unbreakable bond with a stranded RAF pilot, becoming a symbol of hope and courage amidst the chaos of war. Discover how this incredible canine companion's bravery earned her the prestigious Dickin Me…

Step into the fascinating world of Australian folklore and join us on an enthralling journey to explore the legend of the Yowie, a mysterious and elusive creature said to roam the vast, untamed wilderness of the Land Down Under. In this captivating podcast, we delve deep into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal mythology, colonial history, and modern-d…

Journey back to Victorian London and witness one of history's most bizarre events - "The Great Stink." In 1858, the River Thames transformed into a noxious cesspool, engulfing the city in an unbearable odor. Follow our host as we uncover the chaos, heroic engineering, and surprising social implications of this environmental crisis. Subscribe now fo…

In this podcast of Strange History, we take listeners on a journey through the thrilling and lawless era of the Australian bushrangers. We discuss the origins of bushranging, which began with escaped convicts in the early years of European settlements. The discovery of gold in the mid-19th century led to a wave of bushranging activity, with outlaws…

Welcome to the Strange History Podcast, where we take you on a whimsical journey through time! In this enchanting episode, we'll be exploring the captivating world of Irish travelers, also known as Pavees or Mincéirs. Picture this: a land filled with magic, mystery, and a nomadic lifestyle that dances with the wind. Irish travelers have a rich hist…

Delving into the fascinating world of Icelandic folklore and fairy tales. We discuss various mythical creatures and characters, such as Greta the Strong, a legendary outlaw and warrior, and Deacon John, a figure known for his pact with the devil and practice of black magic. We also explore the story of a fisherman who takes a selkie, a creature tha…

Are you ready to dive into the mysterious world of Appalachian folklore? Join us on the Strange History Podcast as we explore the legends and creatures that have captivated generations. Appalachian folklore is a treasure trove of supernatural creatures like witches, ghosts, goblins, and fairies. These mythical beings are said to inhabit the forests…

Learn about the oldest known artifacts that provide evidence of human activity, including stone tools, cave paintings, Venus figurines, Stonehenge, and wooden spears. We provide information about the Oldowan tools, Lomek stone tools, Schoeningen spears, and the controversial London hammer. We also discuss the significance of these artifacts in unde…

In this podcast episode, we delve into the ancient Mesopotamian creation epic known as the Enuma Elish, which dates back to the second millennium BCE. The epic centers around Marduk, the chief god of Babylon, and his battle against the primordial goddess Tiamat. We provide historical context for the epic, discussing its discovery and significance i…

The podcast episode explores the history of oracles and divination in ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. We discuss the various forms of divination practiced in these societies, including dream interpretation, observation of natural phenomena, and the use of idols. We also highlight the significance of oracles, such…

In this podcast episode, we explore various historical objects and concepts related to science, space, and geology, including the Rosetta Stone, the Philosopher's Stone, and the Blarney Stone. We provide information and anecdotes about each of these objects, discussing their origins, significance, and cultural associations. We also share strange ne…

In this episode of the Strange History Podcast, we discuss some of the oddest books in history. We cover six books, including the Codex Gigas, the Voynich Manuscript, and the Book of Shadows. The Codex Gigas is known as the Devil's Bible and is famous for its size and intricate illustrations. The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious manuscript that h…

In this episode of "Strange History" podcast, we discuss five strange medical techniques from history. These techniques include the tobacco smoke enema, cutting teeth, using urine as a tooth whitener, trepanning, and the use of heroin in cough medicine. We explain the origins and uses of each technique, highlighting their barbaric and often dangero…

In this podcast episode, "Strange History" talks about the CIA's secret experiment with psychic spies that were part of a program called called Stargate. The program was established in 1978 to investigate if psychic abilities could be used for military and domestic intelligence applications. We go over the various classified missions and experiment…

The life and prophecies of Mother Shipton, a famous English prophet from the 14th century. She was known for her predictions about modern technology, transportation, historical events, and even the end of the world. One of her most famous prophecies is about a comet or asteroid hitting the Earth, causing massive disasters and wars. Despite the disa…

In this episode of the Strange History Podcast, we explore the history of poor houses, which were tax-supported residential institutions for people who could not support themselves. They discuss the different ways poor relief was provided before the establishment of poor houses, the evolution of poor houses into nursing homes, and provide examples …

The Strange History Podcast explores the history of prostitution across different cultures and time periods. The episode covers the earliest accounts of prostitution in Sumeria, the legal rights of prostitutes in Babylon, and the prevalence of prostitution in ancient Israel, Greece, Rome, India, China, and Japan. We also share facts about prominent…

The birth of law enforcement in the United States is due to the work of one man who ran a detective agency that was bigger then the United States Army, The Pinkterton Detective Agency. Listen to learn how they foiled assassination attempts but were thwarted by Jessie James. They hired women and minorities in a time that it was not the social norm a…

When goats got high on caffeine the start of a cultural movement began and spread across the world and throughout history. Coffee has been the catalyst for many revolutions, has suffered religious persecution, and kick started the creation of the New York Stock Exchange. Listen in as we discuss how this dark brew has shaped our history. If you have…

It was a time when LDS caused a sunburn in a very unlikely place and granola kept people from starving to death. Listen in as we discuss how the most iconic music festival, Woodstock, caused a sleepy farm town in up state New York to be the 3rd largest city in New York for a few short days. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehis…

Learn more about Zheng Yi Sao: the most successful pirate of all time. Hear about the achievements of this female pirate, from working on a floating brothel to becoming the head of a massive pirate confederation, which plundered the South China Sea in the early 19th century. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehistorypod@gmail.co…

The bicycle has shaped culture and fashion and was the catalyst to many things. Tune in to this episode of Strange History to learn how the bicycle was the gateway to women in pants and the Pinup Girl. If you have an idea for an episode please email strangehistorypod@gmail.comBy Strange History

The Color red is symblic of love, royalty and much more. Dive into the history of the color red and learn why humans died to obtain it and royalty grasped onto this color. If you have an idea for a podcast email me at strangehistorypod@gmail.comBy Strange History

When Napolean Bonapart put his people to task they changed the way we store food today. The modern can opener replaced a hammer and chisel after people used the strangest things to open cans for 60 years, tune in to hear the history of the metal can and its sidekick that was late to the party, the opener. If you have an idea for a story please emai…

From John Glenn flipping someone the proverbial bird to the scary world of AI technology and 6G, we dive into conspiracies. Some are beyond bizarre, and some actually turned out to be true. If you have an idea for a story please email strangehistorypod@gmail.com.By Strange History