This Week’s Roundup: Surprising Discoveries in the World
- The Editors at Very Cool Facts
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 11
This week’s roundup is full of surprises. A tiny island is making millions from the AI boom. The internet turns out to be more bot than human. Strange clouds are floating above mountain peaks. And the sky’s putting on a meteor show.
Let’s dig in.
This Island's Side Hustle? Artificial Intelligence
Tiny Anguilla—best known for its white sand and turquoise seas—made a jaw-dropping $32 million last year from artificial intelligence. Surprisingly, they didn’t build AI; they sold the internet’s favorite domain: .ai. And that was just the beginning.
Anguilla has capitalized on the growing demand for AI-related domains. As businesses and startups rush to establish their online presence, the .ai domain has become increasingly popular. This trend has turned Anguilla into a hotspot for domain registration.
The island's government has embraced this opportunity. They have streamlined the registration process and marketed the domain effectively. This strategy has attracted numerous companies looking to secure their digital identity.
For more details on how Anguilla cashed in, check out this link.
The Sky's Throwing a Party Right Now!
The Perseid meteor shower is happening now. It’s one of the best shows the sky puts on all year. With up to 100 shooting stars an hour, all you need is a clear night, a comfy spot, and a little patience. No telescope is required.
This annual event captivates stargazers worldwide. The meteors are remnants of Comet Swift-Tuttle. As the Earth passes through the comet's debris, we are treated to this spectacular display.
To enjoy the show, find a dark area away from city lights. Lie back and look up. The best time to watch is after midnight. Bring a blanket and some snacks to enhance the experience.
For more information on when and where to look, visit this link.
Bots Are Taking Over the Internet
Nearly half of all web traffic in 2024 wasn’t human. Just bots—indexing pages, stealing content, and panic-buying Taylor Swift tickets. This statistic is alarming. It raises questions about the authenticity of online interactions.
Bots perform various tasks. Some are helpful, like search engine crawlers. Others, however, engage in malicious activities. They can skew analytics and disrupt genuine user experiences.
Understanding bot behavior is crucial. Businesses need to differentiate between human and bot traffic. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about marketing strategies and website optimization.
For insights into what bots are doing online, check this link.
The UFOs That Never Land
Lenticular clouds are nature’s optical illusions. These smooth, lens-shaped clouds hover like flying saucers. They form when wind flows over mountains. This phenomenon has fooled many pilots and skywatchers.
These clouds are often mistaken for UFOs. Their unique shape and appearance can create confusion. However, they are a natural occurrence, not extraterrestrial vehicles.
Understanding lenticular clouds can enhance your appreciation of nature. Next time you see one, you’ll know it’s just a cloud, not a UFO.
For more information on what's really going on with these clouds, visit this link.
That’s all for now—just a few reminders that the planet (and internet) are full of surprises. Catch you next time.
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