The Week by the Numbers: December 8-14, 2013
By Matt Phifer
-135.8 Degrees Fahrenheit – Coldest Temperature Reading in Earth History
Over the past week NASA confirmed a new record for the lowest recorded temperature in Earth’s history of -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in August 2010 by a NASA satellite. The record-breaking temperature was recorded on an ice plateau in East Antarctica. The record is not official because the World Meteorological Association, which keeps the official world weather records, only accepts temperature readings from on-site thermometers. The current record is -128.6 degrees in Vostok, Antarctica on July 21, 1983. The -135.8 degree temperature is 50 degrees colder than the lowest recorded temperatures in North America.
9 Percent – Drop in Homelessness across the United States since 2007
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released the 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress on Friday and it showed a nine percent decline of homelessness in the United States since 2007. The report also showed a 23 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness over the same time frame. The report says that more than half of the U.S.’s homeless population comes from five states: California, New York, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts.
37 Years – China Achieved the First Soft Lunar Landing in 37 Years
China successfully landed its first lunar probe on Saturday, the first lunar probe to achieve a soft landing on the moon in 37 years. The unmanned Chang 3 lander contained a six-wheel robot called “Yutu” or “Jade Rabbit”. The rover will embark on a three month mission of scientific exploration. The Chang 3 lander will set up an antenna and transmit pictures back to Earth.
1,501 Votes – Jameis Winston’s Margin of Victory in the Heisman Race, the largest in history
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, at 19, became the youngest winner of the Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious award, on Saturday night. His 1,501 vote margin of victory over Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron is the largest in the award’s history. Winston wowed fans by throwing for 3,820 yards and 38 touchdowns while leading Florida State to an undefeated season, an ACC championship and a chance to play for the BCS National Championship. Winston’s Heisman win comes just days after the Florida state attorney’s office decided not to charge the quarterback with sexual assault in relation to a December 2012 incident in which a woman claims she was raped by Winston. State Attorney Willie Meggs told reporters there was not enough evidence for a conviction. Top-ranked Florida State will play #2 Auburn on January 6th in Pasadena, California for the national championship.