Make a tornado in a bottle
16 April 2025
Make a tornado in a bottle FACT: England holds the world record for the most tornadoes per square kilometre. It’s
Planet Earth is full of strange and fascinating wonders, from bizarre animals to incredible natural formations. Here’s a look at some of the weirdest things that exist on our planet!
Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis) are the weirdest nocturnal primates!
With their oversized eyes, bushy tails, and their freaky, elongated middle finger used to tap creepily and fish for insects, they’re the most mysterious primates of Madagascar!
In the ancient Waitomo Glowworm Caves of New Zealand, bioluminescent glowworms light up the dark, creating an otherworldly experience for visitors floating by on boats.
The Chrysopelea moves upwards by pushing its scales against tree bark, then hurls itself off, appearing to fly, as it arrives on its next tree of choice. Don’t look up!
The absolutely adorable Dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis) has two ear-like fins near their eyes, and like the cartoon elephant, these flapping appendages aid movement.
Located in Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, New Zealand, Frying Pan Lake is the world’s largest hot spring by surface area, reaching temperatures of 50 to 60 °C (122–140 °F). Sizzlin’!
In the desert regions of Tanzania and South Africa, the Carrion plant (Stapelia gigantea) aka the ‘toad flower’, emits a smell akin to rotting flesh, in order to attract flies to pollinate it.
Lake Natron is a deadly body of water in northern Tanzania. The water is high in an algae which releases a chemical that destroys livers, cells and nervous systems if consumed. Bizarrely, all animals are susceptible to this hazardous water, but flamingos, aren’t!
To find out more about other weird things on earth, then why not think about a subscription to AQUILA magazine!
Words: Jennifer Newton-Brown
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