12 Crazy-True Facts That Sound Like Lies

Ever catch yourself googling something to check if it's really real? We partnered with GSN's Lie Detectors for this post of truths that sound like fabrications.

Sometimes something sounds so unbelievable that it just has to be made up. But these stunning facts will surprise, making them fun conversation starters the next time you're stuck in an uncomfortably quiet situation. These mind-blowing statements will leave you shaking your head while filled with new understanding and appreciation for the world around you. Read on and be amazed.

— Additional reporting by Victor Verdugo

01
It Rains Diamonds on Saturn and Jupiter
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It Rains Diamonds on Saturn and Jupiter

Prepare your atmospheric space suit, because the combination of carbon and methane on the planets mix together to form dazzling drizzle that falls then melts back into the planets' hot cores. Such a shame.

02
Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztecs
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Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztecs

Teachings at this famed university date back as early as 1096. It wasn't until 1325 that the Aztec civilization marked the map with Tenochtitlán. Crazy but true.

03
Scotland's Official Animal Is the Unicorn
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Scotland's Official Animal Is the Unicorn

And they're totally OK with it. The fictitious creature has long been associated with masculinity and power in Celtic legend.

04
There Are More Public Libraries Than McDonald's in the US
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There Are More Public Libraries Than McDonald's in the US

The US boasts a total of 16,541 libraries including branches, while Mickey D's has 14,350 locations.

05
Elephants Are Afraid of Bees
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Elephants Are Afraid of Bees

Just like humans, elephants aren't fans of the pests and will flee the minute they hear any buzzing.

06
Betty White Is Older Than Sliced Bread
Getty | Jeff Kravitz

Betty White Is Older Than Sliced Bread

Sliced white bread became a big deal in 1928, while the beloved Betty White was born in 1922.

08
It Would Only Take an Hour to Drive to Outer Space
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It Would Only Take an Hour to Drive to Outer Space

Our vehicles aren't equipped with an "up" switch yet, but if we could drive to outer space, it would only take about an hour to span the 73 miles before hitting the great beyond. Talk about a road trip.

09
Man Walked the Moon Before Wheeled Luggage Was Invented
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Man Walked the Moon Before Wheeled Luggage Was Invented

Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon in 1969 — but he had to carry his suitcase before heading off on the trip, because wheeled luggage wasn't invented until 1970.

10
Tug-of-War Used to Be an Olympic Event
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Tug-of-War Used to Be an Olympic Event

Eight-men teams had to pull opponents six feet in order to win. But the Antwerp games of 1920 were the last to host the event.

11
Titanus Beetles Are Bigger Than Some Small Dogs
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Titanus Beetles Are Bigger Than Some Small Dogs

Yep, the insect can reach up to seven inches in length, bigger than the average Teacup Chihuahua.

12
You're More Likely to Get Hit by Lightning Than Eaten by a Shark
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You're More Likely to Get Hit by Lightning Than Eaten by a Shark

The US average is around 37 shark attacks per year, with two resulting in death. But lightning strikes and kills more than 37 people every year.