Reviewed by Omotolani Ajileye
What if we told you that some of the most amazing places to explore are right here on Earth? You do not always need a spaceship, submarine or explorer’s backpack to discover something fascinating. Our planet is filled with incredible places, mysterious creatures and surprising secrets waiting to be discovered.
Welcome to another edition of Fun Fact Friday, part of Geeky Nigeria’s Children’s Special 2026!
This week, our theme is Little Explorers, and we are taking you on a quick journey from the darkest depths of the ocean to the very edge of Earth’s atmosphere. Ready? Let’s explore!
Table of Contents
Did You Know? Some Animals in the Ocean Can Make Their Own Light?
Imagine diving into the deep ocean where sunlight can barely reach. It sounds completely dark, right? Well, some creatures living there can actually produce their own light!
This amazing ability is called “bioluminescence”. It happens when a living organism produces light through a chemical reaction inside its body. Many ocean creatures, including certain fish, squid, jellyfish and other animals, can produce this fascinating “living light”.
According to NOAA Ocean Exploration, bioluminescence is particularly common among animals living in the ocean’s water column, and scientists believe that the light can help some creatures find food, communicate, attract mates or defend themselves from predators. Scientists nonetheless, are still studying these amazing animals and do not yet know everything about how or why bioluminescence developed.
Even more fascinating is the fact that the deep ocean is almost completely dark at great depths, and yet, life continues to thrive there.
So, maybe next time you spot a firefly glowing at night, let it bring you a reminder that some animals beneath the ocean can put on their own tiny light shows as well!
Geeky Challenge: If you could explore the deep ocean, which glowing sea creature would you want to find? Draw it and give it a name!
Did You Know? There Is a Huge Mountain Range Hidden Under the Ocean!
When you or almost anyone hear the word “mountain”, you probably imagine enormous mountains rising above the land. But, let’s burst that bubble today; did you know that one of Earth’s longest mountain ranges is hidden beneath the ocean?
Planet Earth has an enormous underwater mountain system stretching across the ocean floor. NASA explains that Earth’s longest mountain range is underwater, running through the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. It is estimated to be four times longer than the Andes, Rocky Mountains and Himalayas combined!
That’s not all – The ocean floor is not simply a flat, sandy surface, as it has mountains, valleys, ridges and other fascinating geological features. Scientists are still taking their time to explore and map the seafloor so they can better understand more about what lies beneath the water. In fact, NOAA reported that around 29% of the world’s seafloor had been mapped in high resolution as of April 2026.
This means there is still plenty for explorers and scientists to discover!
Geeky Challenge: Right now, imagine that you are the first explorer to discover a brand-new underwater mountain. What would you name it?
Did You Know? Earth Has Six Layers of Atmosphere!
Look up at the beautiful sky; it may appear to be an endless blue space or some might call it a large blanket above us, but there is much more happening above your head than you can see.
Earth is surrounded by a huge layer of gases called the atmosphere, with NASA describing it as something like a protective jacket around our planet. It helps in keeping Earth warm, provides oxygen which is needed for us to breathe and is also where weather happens.
But now, here comes the almost-surprising part: Earth’s atmosphere has about six layers! They are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, ionosphere and exosphere. Each of these mentioned layers has different characteristics, and they extend from near Earth’s surface towards outer space.
The layer sitting closest to us is known as the troposphere, and it is where we live and where most of the weather we experience happens. As you travel higher, you encounter the other layers before reaching the outermost parts of the atmosphere.
Even when you think you are just standing in your school playground, know it today that you are already at the beginning of an enormous journey into the skies!
Geeky Challenge: Can you remember the names of all six layers? Try writing them down without looking!
Your Exploration Doesn’t Have to Stop Here!
Being an explorer is not only about travelling to distant places; sometimes, your exploration begins with being curious. You could explore the garden around your home and see how many different insects you can find. You could observe the Moon for several nights and notice how its appearance changes. Furthermore, you could read about an animal that you have never seen before, investigate why rain falls, or ask your teacher how an aeroplane stays in the sky.
Additionally, you can become an explorer with a notebook. Write down questions about things you see around you and try to find the answers. You might discover that one question leads to another, and another, until you have uncovered something you never knew before.
You absolutely don’t need to know everything before you start your exploration journey and experience, because curiosity is where discovery begins.
And this, friends, is only one stop on our Little Explorers adventure!
Keep following Geeky Nigeria’s Children’s Special throughout August because another Fun Fact Friday is coming your way next week with even more surprising things to discover. Until then, keep your eyes open, keep asking questions and never stop exploring!
Geeky Explorer Challenge
Before you go, look around you today and find one thing you have never really noticed before. Observe it carefully, ask a question about it and see if you can discover something new. Who knows? Your next discovery might begin just right in front of you!
Happy exploring, dear Little Explorers!
Also Read: Children’s Special: Learn How to Overcome Your Fears Just Like Orion
