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Suborbital space tourism finally arrives | FCC prepares to run public C-band auction | The big four in the U.S. launch industry — United Launch Alliance, SpaceX, Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman — hope to be one of two providers that will receive five-year contracts later this year to launch national security payloads starting in 2022. | China’s launch rate stays high | The International Space Station is the largest ever crewed object in space.

 
Strasburg Rail Road in Ronks, Pennsylvania
The Strasburg Rail Road is said to be the oldest continuously operating railroad in North America, in existence since 1832. It’s a short line that connects to what became the Pennsylvania Railroad in Paradise, Pennsylvania. The line ran for well over a century, but by the 1950s it was showing its age. Declining revenues and deteriorating trackage and rolling stock were rendering operations ever more marginal, and it seemed destined to spiral down into bankruptcy and abandonment like so...

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Liechtenstein Postal Museum in Vaduz, Liechtenstein
For decades, visiting Liechtenstein has been treated as a novelty. This tiny principality is the sixth smallest sovereign state in the world, having been ruled by the reigning family since the 18th century. Until the country’s entrance into manufacturing in the mid-1900s, Liechtenstein didn’t have much commerce to speak of. To fix this issue there was special emphasis placed on its high-quality stamps, as it does today. At the Liechtenstein Postal Museum, philatelists can marvel at the artistry of...

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Podcast: Welcome Home
Listen and subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps. In this episode of The Atlas Obscura Podcast, we hear staff stories about places in the world that made them instantly feel at home, from the Big Easy to the Magic Kingdom. We’re working on a new slate of episodes that will feature listener stories, and we want to hear yours. Tell us about a place that makes you feel at home. What made it special?...

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12 Amazing Athletic Competitions You Should Be...
While all eyes are on Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, we here at Atlas Obscura have a few Super Bowl alternatives for you to consider—the amazing sports, competitions, and champions that get just a little less attention. Join us as we marvel at the talents of competitive stone-skimmers, mashed-potato wrestlers, lion dancers, log riders, llama racers and, yes, chair-sitters. What Is the Hardest Unicycle Trick? by Eric Grundhauser Contrary to popular perception, the unicycle is not just for circus...

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For Sale: President William McKinley’s Top-Secret Autopsy...
The Buffalo Medical College laboratory was under guard, and the few scientists permitted entrance had been ordered not to discuss the experiments underway inside. Among the most reticent of them was Dr. Herman Matzinger, who told a journalist only that he “would have no leisure from his work,” the Buffalo Courier reported. It seemed like no one had rested since President McKinley died in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 14, 1901. Eight days prior Leon Czolgosz had...

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Germany Had 90 Minutes to Prepare for...
Earth is being pummeled by meteorites daily, but most of its residents aren’t even aware. According to NASA’s planetary defense system Scout, nearly 50 tons of meteoritic matter hit the planet daily. Most small pieces are never found, but occasionally a celestial fireball pushes through the atmosphere and lands on the ground. And on January 21 outside of Berlin, Germany, that’s just what happened. A meteorite on a wayward journey from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter shattered...

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Podcast: Moynaq
Listen and subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps. In this episode of The Atlas Obscura Podcast, we visit Moynaq, a city in Uzbekistan that was once a port on one of the world’s largest seas. Now it’s a dusty reminder of one of the largest and most forgotten environmental disasters. Visit the Stihia website to learn more about the music festival that happens in Moynaq, including where it may be this year. And this...

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4 Ways Facial Recognition Can Be Used...
Facial Recognition in the Travel Industry Facial recognition in the travel industry refers to using advanced biometric technology to identify and verify travelers’ identities. It’s crucial for enhancing security, streamlining check-in and boarding processes, and providing a more efficient, contactless travel experience. This technology significantly reduces wait times and improves overall operational efficiency in airports The post 4 Ways Facial Recognition Can Be Used in the Travel Industry appeared first on Revfine.com.

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'Make a Party' as a New English...
This story was originally published on The Conversation. It appears here under a Creative Commons license. “We got down from the car and went inside.” “I made the line to pay for groceries.” “He made a party to celebrate his son’s birthday.” These phrases might sound off to the ears of most English-speaking Americans. In Miami, however, they’ve become part of the local parlance. According to my recently published research, these expressions—along with a host of others—form part of...

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The Surprising Story of the 10 Bison...
There are things you expect to see on a trip to San Francisco: you might root for the Giants at Oracle Park, you might browse the stacks at historic City Lights Books, you might climb so many of the city’s historic staircases that you’ve done your cardio for the whole year. What you wouldn’t expect is to stroll through SF’s massive Golden Gate Park and catch a glimpse of… a herd of bison? But that’s exactly what people have...

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All The Science Bubbling Beneath California’s Most...
Far up in the north of California, at the southern edge of the Cascade Mountains, lies one of the state’s biggest—and steamiest—hidden treasures. This is Lassen Volcanic National Park, one hundred and sixty-five square miles of crystal clear lakes, striking mountain views, and bubbling geothermal activity. Lassen is special for many reasons, but particularly rare is the fact that here, you can visit all four types of volcanos: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and composite. It’s one of the...

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Meet General Sherman – the Largest Tree...
When you think of enormous living things, you might think of a giraffe, an elephant, a hundred-foot blue whale, or that terrifying bug you just saw that really shouldn’t be so big. But in fact, the largest living organism, if we’re measuring by volume, is a tree. Specifically, it’s the General Sherman Tree in California’s Sequoia National Park, an hour and a half drive from Fresno. At 275 feet tall, the General Sherman Tree is as tall as three...

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How Can Voice Control Benefit the Travel...
Voice Control in the Travel Industry Voice control is a technology that enhances traveler experiences through hands-free interaction with devices and services. It’s important for improving accessibility, streamlining service delivery, and offering personalized experiences, from hotel room controls to information queries. This innovation makes travel more convenient and responsive to individual needs. Key Takeaways Enhanced The post How Can Voice Control Benefit the Travel Industry? appeared first on Revfine.com.

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How Blockchain Technology is Transforming the Travel...
Blockchain Technology in the Travel Industry Blockchain technology in the travel industry is transforming secure data sharing and transactions. By enabling decentralized control, it enhances trust, reduces fraud, and streamlines operations. Its application ranges from secure payments to managing customer identities and loyalty programs, making it a pivotal tool for advancing transparency and operational efficiency The post How Blockchain Technology is Transforming the Travel Industry appeared first on Revfine.com.

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How Virtual Reality (VR) can Enrich the...
Virtual Reality (VR) in the Hospitality Industry Virtual reality in the hospitality industry revolutionizes guest experiences by offering immersive previews of destinations and accommodations. This technology is crucial for enhancing marketing and customer engagement, providing a realistic sense of the offerings before a physical visit, and aiding in planning and decision-making for prospective travelers. Key The post How Virtual Reality (VR) can Enrich the Hospitality Industry appeared first on Revfine.com.

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