Guess What

 A Brief and Curious History of: POCKETS 

You can never have too many pockets

In 705 AD, a young Japanese nobleman named Fujiwara Mahito opened a hot spring hotel in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture. Today, the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan still welcomes guests to bathe in the same natural hot springs, making it the world's oldest continuously operating hotel. 🏨

For 52 generations, the same family operated this remarkable establishment, hosting Japanese emperors, powerful samurai lords, and countless travelers seeking the healing waters of the Hakuho Springs. Even today, the untreated hot spring water flows directly from its ancient source into the hotel's baths. 🌊

While the buildings have been modernized over the centuries, the spirit of hospitality that began over 1,300 years ago remains unchanged. Notable guests throughout history have included the legendary samurai warlord Takeda Shingen, shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and numerous Japanese emperors including the current Emperor Naruhito. 👑

In 2011, the Guinness World Records officially recognized Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan as the world's oldest hotel, confirming its extraordinary legacy of continuous operation since the 8th century.

Sources: Guinness World Records, Official Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan records, Japanese Historical Archives.

An Ancient tree discovered in New Zealand contains a 42,000-year-old record of a reversal of Earth's magnetic field.

The most recent polar reversal, called the Laschamp excursion, happened about 41,000 to 42,000 years ago. During this time, the north magnetic pole moved to the southern hemisphere and then back to the north.

Scientists studied ancient kauri trees found in wetlands in northern New Zealand. These trees were alive during the Laschamp excursion. By analyzing the growth rings, researchers measured a spike in atmospheric radiocarbon levels, which occurred when Earth's magnetic field weakened. This helped them create a detailed timeline of the changes.

Earlier studies focused on what happened while the magnetic poles were reversed, during which Earth's magnetic field was only 28% as strong as it is now. However, this new research revealed that the biggest changes happened during a transition period called the Adams Event. During this time, the magnetic field dropped to just 0-6% of its current strength.

Researchers compared their findings with data from other Pacific sites and used climate models to show how the Adams Event caused major environmental changes. These included the growth of ice sheets in North America and shifts in wind patterns and tropical storm systems.

Professor Anthony Dosseto from the University of Wollongong explained that the Adams Event caused dramatic changes to the planet's climate. In Australia, for example, it became much drier. This event might explain the extinction of megafauna in Australia and the disappearance of Neanderthals in Europe.

The event may also explain the sudden rise in cave art during this time. As cosmic radiation increased, people likely sought shelter in caves, leading to a surge in cave painting.

The study warns that if a similar magnetic field shift happened today, the effects would be devastating. Cosmic radiation could destroy power grids and satellite systems while triggering rapid climate change..