Some facts sound so unbelievable that they feel made up.
But science, nature, and history often prove that reality is far stranger than fiction.
Below are 7 shocking facts that seem fake at first — yet every one of them is completely real.
1. There Are More Possible Games of Chess Than Atoms in the Universe
The number of possible chess games is called Shannon’s Number — about
10¹²⁰ different combinations.
That’s more than the estimated number of atoms in the observable universe.
👉 One board. Infinite possibilities.
2. Wombat Poop Is Cube-Shaped
Yes, cube-shaped.
Wombats produce square droppings, which scientists believe helps prevent them from rolling away and marks territory more effectively.
👉 Nature has a sense of humor.
3. Your Brain Uses About 20% of Your Body’s Energy
Despite weighing only about 2% of your body, the brain consumes around 20% of your total energy.
👉 Thinking is literally exhausting.
4. There Are “Immortal” Jellyfish
A species called Turritopsis dohrnii can reverse its life cycle and return to its juvenile form after reaching adulthood.
👉 In theory, it can live forever.
5. You Can Smell Rain Before It Falls
That fresh, earthy smell before rain is called petrichor.
It comes from plant oils and bacteria released into the air when rain approaches.
👉 Your nose predicts the weather.
6. Humans Glow in the Dark (Very Faintly)
Chemical reactions inside the human body produce a tiny amount of visible light.
👉 The glow is real — our eyes just can’t see it.
7. A Day on Venus Is Longer Than a Year on Venus
Venus rotates so slowly that one full day takes longer than one full orbit around the sun.
👉 Imagine a sunrise that lasts months.