A compilation of unsettling trivia and fun facts about Earth

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Earth, home to humans and countless other living things.

Like outer space, it’s still full of mysteries, and research is advancing every day.

In this article, we’ll share general trivia and fun facts about our planet.

We’ve gathered a variety of information about Earth—from its history, to slightly scary stories about the future, to astonishing phenomena.

As you learn, you may feel a little unsettled, be inspired to act more environmentally friendly, or be moved to think more deeply about our planet.

Discover Earth’s surprising facts and hidden secrets!

A collection of unsettling trivia and fun facts about Earth (11–20)

Change color due to the Moon’s atmosphere as seen from Earth

The moon floating in the sky is precious for lighting up the night, and the changes in its shape and brilliance really highlight its beauty.

The moon’s color changes due to Earth’s atmosphere, and from the way the moon appears, you can get a sense of the state of the atmosphere.

When there’s a lot of dust in the air, less light passes through the atmosphere, making the moon look dimmer; when there’s less dust, more light gets through and the moon appears brighter.

Also, depending on where the moon is relative to Earth, the path of the light changes, making its color look different.

It’s fascinating that from just the moon alone, you can glimpse the arrangement of the stars and the condition of the Earth.

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The Earth’s oxygen concentration is gradually decreasing.

Oxygen is indispensable for human life, and you could say Earth is a miraculous planet because oxygen exists in its atmosphere.

Did you know, however, that the concentration of oxygen—one of the defining features of our planet—is on the decline globally? While it’s not at a level that affects our daily lives, the fact that something essential for living is gradually decreasing can feel quite alarming.

Since causes are said to include the combustion of fossil fuels and forest fires, it also prompts us to consider whether and how we can improve the situation.

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Cow burps are one of the causes of global warming.

Global warming is one of the major challenges for the future, and various environmentally conscious innovations are being created.

In that context, there’s a surprising fact: cow burps have a significant impact on global warming.

Cow burps contain methane gas, which is a greenhouse gas and contributes to warming.

Methane’s greenhouse effect is 25 times that of carbon dioxide, and some data indicate that cow burps account for 4 to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, prompting us to think about how we can coexist with cattle.

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Auroras change color depending on altitude.

While auroras are often associated with cold countries and are a major attraction with their beautiful, curtain-like lights shimmering in the night sky, did you know that their appearance changes with altitude? The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric density, which affects the particles from the sun and results in different colors.

Knowing which colors appear at which locations may help you plan a journey to find your ideal aurora hues.

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Even if the Arctic ice melts, sea levels will not rise.

Amid concerns about global warming, we often hear that melting ice will raise sea levels worldwide.

But did you know there’s a fact that seems to contradict that familiar statement: melting Arctic ice does not raise sea levels? This comes down to how Arctic ice forms.

The region we call the Arctic is not a continent; it’s sea ice—frozen seawater—which, when it melts, simply returns to the ocean and doesn’t affect sea level.

However, ice that sits on land, such as the ice in Greenland or Antarctica, will raise sea levels when it melts.

So it’s not wrong to say we want to prevent that ice from melting.

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