Preserving Treasures in a Time Capsule: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Past and Future

by Jasmine March 30, 2025

written by Jasmine March 30, 2025

How to Keep Items Safe in a Time Capsule and More Questions From Our Readers

Preserving Documents in a Time Capsule

If you’re preparing a time capsule, you’ll want to ensure that the documents you place inside remain legible for years to come. Here’s how:

Choose stable paper: Opt for paper made of 100% unrecycled cotton or linen rag.
Use proper writing tools: Laser printers, graphite pencils, or archival pens are recommended.
Protect from light and moisture: Store each document in a Mylar sleeve, flat, unfolded, and away from light.
Seal in a protective container: Use a benign container with a silica gel pack to absorb moisture and an activated charcoal pack to absorb pollutants.

The Jaw Harp: An Ancient Musical Instrument

The jaw harp is one of the oldest musical instruments still played today. It consists of a small frame with a stiff tine attached at one end. The musician holds the frame in their mouth and plucks the tine, changing pitch by changing the shape of their mouth.

Apollo Missions: The Three-Day Journey to the Moon

Despite being only 250,000 miles from Earth, the Apollo missions took three days to reach the moon due to the following factors:

Indirect flights: The spacecraft had to navigate moving targets (Earth and the moon) and gravitational pulls.
Earth orbit: Before heading to the moon, the spacecraft were parked in orbit 100 miles above Earth.
Escape velocity: The spacecraft fired their rockets briefly to escape Earth’s orbit.
Chasing the moon: The moon’s speed in orbit around Earth required the spacecraft to chase it and enter its orbit.
Gravitational pull: Earth’s gravitational pull slowed down the spacecraft, preventing them from maintaining a constant speed of 25,000 mph.

Titanic Survivors: Men Disguised as Women?

There is no concrete evidence to support the claim that men aboard the Titanic disguised themselves as women to get on lifeboats. However, one survivor reported that a towel around his neck may have led ship’s officers to mistake him for a woman.

The Hope Diamond: A Cursed Gemstone

Evalyn Walsh McLean, the owner of the Hope Diamond, was known to display it on her Great Dane and lend it to charities for fundraising. However, there is no credible evidence that her granddaughter, Mamie, wore it to bed.

Ask Our Curators: More Questions Answered

Did any men aboard the Titanic try to disguise themselves as women to get on the lifeboats?

Probably not, but there were isolated incidents of men being mistaken for women due to confusion and poor lighting.

Did Evalyn Walsh McLean really display the Hope Diamond on her Great Dane at parties, lend it to charities to raise money and allow her granddaughter Mamie to wear it to bed?

Yes, she did display it on her Great Dane and lend it to charities, but there is no evidence that Mamie wore it to bed.

Jasmine

Jasmine's journey began with a camera in hand and a heart brimming with stories. The world, for her, wasn't just a collection of sights and sounds; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with intricate details, each one waiting to be captured and explored. This inherent curiosity naturally led her to the written word, where she discovered the power of language to weave narratives that resonated with the soul. Jasmine's articles in LifeScienceArt's life section are a testament to this synergy. Her words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures that transport readers to the heart of the experience. Whether it's the quiet contemplation sparked by a morning sunrise or the electrifying energy of a bustling city street, Jasmine has an uncanny ability to translate the essence of a moment into words that resonate. But Jasmine's talents extend far beyond the written word. With a keen eye for detail and a photographer's soul, she sees the world through a unique lens. Her photographs are more than just snapshots; they're windows into hidden emotions and unspoken narratives. A single image, captured with Jasmine's signature touch, can evoke a kaleidoscope of feelings, prompting introspection and igniting a sense of wonder in the viewer. The way she plays with light and shadow, or the way she finds beauty in the ordinary, speaks volumes about her artistic vision. It's clear that Jasmine doesn't just see the world; she feels it, deeply and passionately. This depth of feeling is evident in her writing as well. Jasmine's articles are infused with a raw honesty that connects with readers on a personal level. She doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of life, the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures that we all experience. But even when tackling difficult topics, there's an underlying optimism in her words, a belief in the inherent resilience of the human spirit. Jasmine's writing encourages readers to embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to navigate the challenges with courage and grace. One gets the sense that Jasmine's own life is a continuous exploration, a constant search for new experiences and perspectives. Whether it's venturing off the beaten path to capture a hidden gem through her lens or delving into the depths of human emotion through her writing, Jasmine thrives on the journey itself. This inherent sense of adventure is infectious, inspiring readers to embark on their own explorations, both internal and external. Jasmine's work isn't just about capturing moments; it's about igniting a spark of curiosity and a desire to live life to the fullest. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Jasmine's work is the sense of intimacy it evokes. Reading her articles feels like having a conversation with a close friend, someone who understands the nuances of life and isn't afraid to share their vulnerabilities. This ability to connect with readers on a personal level is what makes Jasmine's writing so powerful and enduring. It's a testament to her own authenticity and her genuine desire to connect with others through the magic of words and images.