Results: In The Most Abnormal Year Ever, Some Non-Covid Stories You May Have Missed

A worldwide pandemic, murder hornets, the most ridiculous U.S. election ever -- 2020 was a year unlike any other. But, there are other interesting stories that may have slipped through the radar worth noting. Way back in early 2020, news broke that NASA had identified a new planet. Specifically, 17-year-old high school student Wolf Cukier discovered the planet on the third day of his internship with NASA. Named TOI 1338 b, it's 6.9 times larger than Earth, orbits two stars instead of one every 95 days, and is 1,300 light-years away. The discovery was especially exciting for Star Wars fans, who saw similarities between the new planet and Luke Skywalker's home world of Tatooine, which featured double sunsets. Do you remember hearing this news?

In October 2020, an Italian farmer's dog gave birth to a litter of five puppies—including one that had green fur. There's actually a scientific explanation behind the pup's unusual colouring. In this case, it appears as though the white puppy—named Pistachio—came in contact with biliverdin, a green pigment, in its mother's womb. Eventually, as the baby dog grows up, it's thought that its green colour will fade. Have you ever seen an animal with such an unusual colouring?

Back in May, according to Wildlife Officials, a loon and a bald eagle — birds featured on the $1 currency in Canada and the U.S., respectively — fought to the death in Maine. And the loon won. Officials say the loon killed the eagle with a vicious peck through its heart. An autopsy on the bird revealed the cause of death. While loons appear serene and peaceful, the waterbirds can be savage, attacking everything from Canada geese to redhead ducks to, most often, other loons. This is, however, the first time a loon has killed a bald eagle. Have you ever been attacked by a wild bird?

In July 2020, Iceland's tourism board offered the rest of the world "scream therapy" to relieve stress. Sure, you could just scream into your pillow, but through the country's "Let It Out" program, anyone could record their best blood-curdling scream on their phone, tablet, or laptop, and have it played on a loudspeaker somewhere in Icelandic nature. It was free and easy to participate in this ongoing program. There is also a feature on the website that allows you to listen to other people's screams, in case that would make you feel better. Did you felt the need to scream to let out your stress and frustrations anytime last year at all?

A teenager was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran this year for a few creepy photos she posted on Instagram in 2017. The photos showed the woman, Sahar Tabar, as a zombified version of Angelina Jolie. Tabar said she achieved the "Corpse Bride" look through makeup and photo editing. The images earned her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, which was her only purpose -- to become famous. However, Iranian authorities were not happy, and charged her under public decency and blasphemy laws, to ten years in prison, for "corruption of young people and disrespecting the Islamic Republic". Tabar ultimately "confessed" on state-controlled TV in December, earning herself bail while she appealed her 10-year sentence. Have you followed this news story?