1 minute read
Have you ever wondered...?
from Kid sfogliabile
The oldest astronomical* clock in the world
The oldest astronomical clock in the world, which still works perfectly, can be found in Prague’s City Hall. The Prague Orloj looks over the Old Town Square and is one of the most amazing and curious monuments in the capital city of the Czech Republic. Built in 1410, it is truly a work of art and creativity. The astronomical part of the clock face shows the position of the sun and moon in the sky; another part, at the bottom of the clock face, shows the months of the year. But, the really amazing thing to see is when, every hour, the statues around the clock “come to life” and “walk” around it in a procession*. This very precise mechanism* attracts thousands of tourists, who come every day to see these amazing and “magical” figures.
LOOK IN THE MIRROR!
The Balloon World Cup
The third edition of the Balloon World Cup, one of the world’s strangest competitions, is about to begin!
The first one in 2021 was an idea of Ibai llanos, an internet celebrity, and the Spanish footballer, Gerard Piqué. Obviously, the rules of the game are very simple. It involves two players. Each player has to hit a balloon and keep it in the air, without letting it fall on the ground and allowing the other player to win a point.
To make it more complicated, the field is only 8 by 8 metres and there are various obstacles* to avoid. The competition takes place in the Spanish city of Tarragona, but is streamed live on social networks. Players from more than 30 countries take part in the event, which is followed online by millions of spectators*.
Glossary
Who invented the balloon? Look in the mirror and find out.
IN 1824, DURING ONE OF HIS EXPERIMENTS WITH RUBBER AND VARIOUS GASES, THE BRITISH SCIENTIST, MICHAEL FARADAY, CREATED THE FIRST BALLOON. HOWEVER, IT WAS NEIL TILLOTSON – AROUND A CENTURY LATER, IN 1930 – WHO INVENTED THE MODERN DAY BALLOON.
The answer is on page 15 astronomical: relating to the stars and planets mechanism: parts working together as a machine procession: people walking together at a ceremony obstacles: something put in front of you to stop you spectators: people who watch an event
