"Solar system Solar system, planets spin around the sun. Let us learn about the 8 planets now". Wait, What?? 8 planets? When did this happen? .... I was taken aback when I heard this rhyme four years back. It was a deviation from what I learnt in school - the Solar system has 9 planets and a Sun. Further into the rhyme, I understood that the one axed from the coveted list was Pluto, the farthest planet from Sun. Eager to know the reason why? Let's first know a bit about the planet. A brief history of Pluto : Before 1926, there were only 8 planets. That year, a lab discovered Pluto, the newest kid in the planet world. However, questions on allocating the coveted 'planet' status to Pluto were raised; but the decision remained undeterred. The planet enjoyed this position for close to 80 years. And then was formed a committee, which proved fatal to the youngest planet's rank. The 2000s - Era of downfall : Come 21st century, with the advancements in technology, le
'London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down, London bridge is falling down, my fair lady!' A famous nursery rhyme toddlers learn in kindergarten. With the advent of technology, platforms such as YouTube have made it easier for parents to make kids learn these jingles. And the same is true at my home. While listening to the poem recently, a question struck me: Why is it the London bridge only? Did it really fall? Is there some story tied to the song? And I was not disappointed browsing the subject over the net; in fact, it inspired me to write this blog. Well, let us go ahead and hear out the stories credited to inspire the lyrics. Firstly, yes, the London bridge indeed fell down. And several times! However, two major tales are considered the progenitor to the lyrics. The first and the earliest recorded instance of the bridge falling down dates to the onset of 11th century, a period when attacks on English by Vikings were common. That slice of history rev