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The world is a big place, and sometimes you don't have all the answers to all the random questions. The Internet does, though. There's even a subreddit called What Is This Thing? where people post photos when they have no clue what they're looking at, and others try to identify these interesting things. Can you believe it? A place on the Internet where you can ask and not be afraid of getting ridiculed for your ignorance and asking questions? Unbelievable, I know. That's why Bored Panda has compiled a list of some of the most random stuff and interesting facts found on that page, and you will surely learn a thing or two. From an unorthodox public bathroom door design to a hole in the sky, these cool photos and the explanations behind these random things are real eye-openers. Scroll down to enjoy the images and upvote your favorites!

#1

Green Alien Thing That Grew On My Band Aid. What Is This Thing?

Green Alien Thing That Grew On My Band Aid. What Is This Thing?

the_silly_fish Report

#3

I've Met An Old Man In Germany And He Sent Me These Little Coat Of Arms, Telling Me To Visit Each Of This Location Before I Die. What Are These Exactly Used For?

I've Met An Old Man In Germany And He Sent Me These Little Coat Of Arms, Telling Me To Visit Each Of This Location Before I Die. What Are These Exactly Used For?

LethalDeadlyCuteSnek Report

#4

What Is This? Found It By My Toaster. Please Don't Tell Me It's Some Kind Of Cockroach Molt

What Is This? Found It By My Toaster. Please Don't Tell Me It's Some Kind Of Cockroach Molt

sal25 Report

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terybriggs avatar
Mama Panda
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That IS a rattlesnake rattle!!! If you find one, call animal control because it might still be in your house!

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#5

An Old Samsung Pc Keyboard... What Is The Coffee Cup Key For?

An Old Samsung Pc Keyboard... What Is The Coffee Cup Key For?

ianf2k17 Report

#6

What In The Absolute F*ck Is On My Car?

What In The Absolute F*ck Is On My Car?

iChickk Report

#7

This... Thing... Showed Up Inside The Humid Jar Of My Carnivorous Plants. What Is This Thing?

This... Thing... Showed Up Inside The Humid Jar Of My Carnivorous Plants. What Is This Thing?

dr_rentschler Report

#8

What Are These Circles On A Window Of A Bus And What Do They Do?

What Are These Circles On A Window Of A Bus And What Do They Do?

Fred330 Report

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#9

Saw This Guy Crossing The Street In Dc. What Is It?

Saw This Guy Crossing The Street In Dc. What Is It?

ahoko Report

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krishmalhotra2states avatar
picklerick
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this must be a very friendly country then. these cute little robots sure aren't safe in my country.

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#10

Relative Found These Eggs In Her Yard In Georgia, Hanging From A Tree. What Is This Thing?

Relative Found These Eggs In Her Yard In Georgia, Hanging From A Tree. What Is This Thing?

turtlepowr89 Report

#11

A Coworker Found A Hive On Her Balcony. She Is Convinced That Is A Beehive. I Am Not But I Don't Know What Insect It Is

A Coworker Found A Hive On Her Balcony. She Is Convinced That Is A Beehive. I Am Not But I Don't Know What Insect It Is

Meatlumpsandwar Report

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#12

I Came Home Yesterday Afternoon To Find This Tucked In My Car Door. Anyone Have Similar Experience?

I Came Home Yesterday Afternoon To Find This Tucked In My Car Door. Anyone Have Similar Experience?

Astridasteroid Report

#13

I Was Off-Roading With My Kids Today And Found This In The Path Blocked By A Giant Rock. Any Ideas?

I Was Off-Roading With My Kids Today And Found This In The Path Blocked By A Giant Rock. Any Ideas?

benc972 Report

#14

This Was Given To Me Maybe 25 Years Ago Because I Collect Knives. No One Knows Where It's From Or The Purpose Of The Stick (There's Space For 2 Sticks, But Only One Was In It When Given To Me). Us Quarter For Scale

This Was Given To Me Maybe 25 Years Ago Because I Collect Knives. No One Knows Where It's From Or The Purpose Of The Stick (There's Space For 2 Sticks, But Only One Was In It When Given To Me). Us Quarter For Scale

iHaveACatDog Report

#15

Odd Square Metal Imbedded In A Rock. What Is This Thing?

Odd Square Metal Imbedded In A Rock. What Is This Thing?

D3adkl0wn Report

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Zori the degu
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Once a large pyrite discovery was made. Few people and their leader (can't remember his name) found something that was old, shiny and... well, it was obviously gold. They brought tones of the thing back to Europe just to discover it was a common pyrite. Everyone laughed at the poor men. They remained "fools" in other people's eyes for the rest of their days. Since then, the pyrite came to be known as the "Fool's gold".

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#16

Found This On A Beach In New Zealand- There Were Thousands Of Them At The High Water Mark. What Is It?

Found This On A Beach In New Zealand- There Were Thousands Of Them At The High Water Mark. What Is It?

goforajog Report

#18

Super Small Mini Flask? The 'Needle' Screws Into The Flask. What Is This Thing?

Super Small Mini Flask? The 'Needle' Screws Into The Flask. What Is This Thing?

hiding_in_the_corner Report

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Anna Thouvenin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want that but with deodorant instead. You never know when you need to freshen up.

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#19

Oxycodone Bottle Found In The Woods With Electronics Inside. What Is This Thing?

Oxycodone Bottle Found In The Woods With Electronics Inside. What Is This Thing?

Buck_Thorn Report

#20

Took This Weird Bean Home, Now It's Opening Up And Has Me More Puzzled. What Is This Thing?

Took This Weird Bean Home, Now It's Opening Up And Has Me More Puzzled. What Is This Thing?

Sanvi Report

#21

Found This Guy Freezing To Death In Southern Michigan This Morning. What Is This Thing?

Found This Guy Freezing To Death In Southern Michigan This Morning. What Is This Thing?

MarvelBronze Report

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erbakan_b avatar
Cat on a bike
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's cute, that's what it is. Love it, don't squuez it and call it Toothless :))

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#22

Seen In The Sky Over Wisconsin Last Night. What Is This Thing?

Seen In The Sky Over Wisconsin Last Night. What Is This Thing?

Krutzfeldt1 Report

#23

Found At Dead Relatives House. What Is This Thing?

Found At Dead Relatives House. What Is This Thing?

kaptenhefty Report

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Nicky OldfieldDesciple
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A Nixie tube (English: /ˈnɪk.siː/ NIK-see), or cold cathode display,[1] is an electronic device for displaying numerals or other information using glow discharge. Inside a Nixie tube The glass tube contains a wire-mesh anode and multiple cathodes, shaped like numerals or other symbols. Applying power to one cathode surrounds it with an orange glow discharge. The tube is filled with a gas at low pressure, usually mostly neon and often a little mercury or argon, in a Penning mixture.

zephryus avatar
Cal Capone
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's a display bulb. those wires glow to make symbols, so it displays numbers, symbols etc

adampbryce avatar
Adam Bryce
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a nixie tube is a neon equivalent of LED 7-segement display unit - basically an antique numeric display, that needs high voltage to function. glows neon-orange. if this unit in the photo is fully functional, it is an extremely valuable addition to an Electron-Pusher's collection. :-)

melloyellowmelissa avatar
Runsfromelk
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And these were also seen in the recent movie Tomorrowland... they used several of these to make a visible (retro nod) doomsday countdown clock. Very awesome find!

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dbradley avatar
d bradley
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they are for selling on Ebay! hurry before i change my mind

bobbysammons avatar
Bobby Sammons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What it doesn't tell you is that the Nixie tube would light up different filaments to show different numbers. The forerunner to today's number displays.

geologist_luna avatar
Tony Moon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This tube is used to display numbers from 0-9. Its similar to a light bulb except it was used in computers to display numerical information. Highly sought after because they don't make them any longer and make for very cool old fashioned displays.

mechanic247007 avatar
Jim Andrews
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought a bunch of the smaller ones at electronics flee markets in Ukraine. They are still out there being cannibalized from old soviet era military equipment. They are the predecessors to the LED display segments , are filled with a neon gas ,when the heater is warmed up for a while like the old vacuum tube equipment circa 960's and a970's even early 1980's , you hit the "elements" inside with about 170 VDC and they light up with any "digits": of 0 through 9 . Most people make them into retro clocks. They still sell the driver Integrated Circuits to build them with.

garrysshelton avatar
Garry Shelton
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hooking up electricity to various connections, it displays an Illuminated Numeral, and may range 0 through 9 - Some are made for forming alphabetic letters instead of numbers - Maybe 1950s-60s-ish

pamela avatar
Pamela
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nixie tube power supply circuit For running nixoes from low voltage DC supplies. Lixie is an open, modern take on the Nixie Tube! Lixie is an edge-lit acrylic display for any numeric information you can think of! Clocks, temperature displays, hit counters, and more. Always being a fan of the beautiful typography of a Nixie Tube, the Lixie is a modern spin!

abigaeljoyce avatar
fourteenth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this one looks like the one from anime steins;gate. anyone knew about the divergence meter?

abigaeljoyce avatar
fourteenth
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it looks like this https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/steins-gate/images/9/96/Divergence_Meter_0.409031.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120203203300

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echo999 avatar
Echo
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was a medical device in Radiology at a hospital I worked st that used these. It was very cool to look at.

daroperalta avatar
Alextrónica
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not try to do an Internet search by yourself? It has a label with information.

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Molly A. Block
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even after reading the comments, I still have no idea what this thing is.

mary-tonningsen avatar
Mary Tonningsen
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nixie tube A Nixie tube, or cold cathode display, is an electronic device for displaying numerals or other information using glow discharge. The glass tube contains a wire-mesh anode and multiple cathodes, shaped like numerals or other symbols. Applying power to one cathode surrounds it with an orange glow discharge.

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#24

White Circlet With Purple Dots On Top Of A Headdress. What Is This Thing?

White Circlet With Purple Dots On Top Of A Headdress. What Is This Thing?

Zetch88 Report

#25

My Friend Found This Weird Rock On The East Coast Of England. What Is It?

My Friend Found This Weird Rock On The East Coast Of England. What Is It?

TauBennington Report

#26

What Is The Purpose Of A Door Like This?

What Is The Purpose Of A Door Like This?

VIDCAs17 Report

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Steve Bowman
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Next on the agenda: Build cars without fuel cap so they can't drive and don't destroy the environment. That'll discourage 'em.

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#27

Found On An Apple In East Germany. What Is This Thing?

Found On An Apple In East Germany. What Is This Thing?

distacka Report

#28

Found On Beach (Ocean) In Ma, Usa. (Iphone 5 For Reference). Skull? Sternum?

Found On Beach (Ocean) In Ma, Usa. (Iphone 5 For Reference). Skull? Sternum?

LalalaHurray Report

#29

Interesting Cloud Formation, What's Going On Here?

Interesting Cloud Formation, What's Going On Here?

ttgottapp Report

#30

Seen In The Sky While Hiking In Manchester Today. What Is This Thing?

Seen In The Sky While Hiking In Manchester Today. What Is This Thing?

but_why_is_it_itchy Report

#31

My Mom Found This On The Floor Of Her Beauty Salon, She Calls It A Cockapiller. What Is This Thing?

My Mom Found This On The Floor Of Her Beauty Salon, She Calls It A Cockapiller. What Is This Thing?

Therealkhaleeesi Report

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#32

This Little Girl Was Photographed In The 1860's With Her Dog. What Is She Holding In Her Lap?

This Little Girl Was Photographed In The 1860's With Her Dog. What Is She Holding In Her Lap?

Meretrice Report

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justathought avatar
just a thought !
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dog must have been really patient considering how long it took to take photographs those days !

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#33

These Were All Over The Beach In S. Maine. Think They Were Alive. What Is This Thing?

These Were All Over The Beach In S. Maine. Think They Were Alive. What Is This Thing?

Susan_is_a_whore Report

#34

A Gift To The Sultan Of Brunei. What Is It?!

A Gift To The Sultan Of Brunei. What Is It?!

poopsack_williams Report

#35

What Did I Catch?

What Did I Catch?

emeraldsky91 Report

#36

Mold? Spores? Something On A Tree In The Woods. Too Scared To Touch It

Mold? Spores? Something On A Tree In The Woods. Too Scared To Touch It

Looks like some wooly aphids. Woolly aphids are sucking insects that live on plant fluids and produce a filamentous waxy white covering which resembles cotton or wool. The adults are winged and move to new locations where they lay egg masses. The nymphs often form large cottony masses on twigs, for protection from predators.

Shankersplash Report

#37

I Found This After A Rock Was Broken. What Is It?

I Found This After A Rock Was Broken. What Is It?

The_Opossum13 Report

#38

Seen In Ohio. Obviously A Car...but Does The Top Have A Purpose?

Seen In Ohio. Obviously A Car...but Does The Top Have A Purpose?

bigbrainonb-rad Report

#39

Its Made Our Of Silver And The Ball Rotates. What Is This Thing?

Its Made Our Of Silver And The Ball Rotates. What Is This Thing?

Quartz_Splinter Report

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krishmalhotra2states avatar
picklerick
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

now you're just kidding me. of course that thing has a more sinister purpose.

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#40

Any Idea What These Metal Light Weight Hollow Things Could Be? Largest One Is About 5"

Any Idea What These Metal Light Weight Hollow Things Could Be? Largest One Is About 5"

Bergberg1 Report

#41

Found In An Earth Pot At Work, Was Growing In The Dark As Had A Lid On It. What Is This Thing?

Found In An Earth Pot At Work, Was Growing In The Dark As Had A Lid On It. What Is This Thing?

sunnybbb Report

#42

Is This The Beginning Of A Stephen King Novel? This Mystery Blob Just Appeared In My Remote Maine Cabin. There Are Also Signs Someone Has Been In Here Since I've Been Away. What Is This?

Is This The Beginning Of A Stephen King Novel? This Mystery Blob Just Appeared In My Remote Maine Cabin. There Are Also Signs Someone Has Been In Here Since I've Been Away. What Is This?

NemoNomenMeum Report

#43

Neighbor Was Involved In A Hit And Run And Is Trying To Identify The Red Vehicle That Hit Him. Any Idea What Vehicle This Could Be From?

Neighbor Was Involved In A Hit And Run And Is Trying To Identify The Red Vehicle That Hit Him. Any Idea What Vehicle This Could Be From?

L_xo Report

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Andrew Gibb
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

peepoocombo must either work in forensics or have a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee.....just saying....

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#44

What Is This Thing? Seen In A Charity Shop!

What Is This Thing? Seen In A Charity Shop!

"Looks like it would dispense cigarettes" - frumble86

knoerifast13 Report

#45

What Is This Tool?

What Is This Tool?

Rockbreaker Report

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EvieNiffler
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also doubles up as a back scratcher (and massager if you put a ball in the cup) :P

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#46

This Needle Thing Was Just Found In A Hamburger At A Lexington, Ky Mcdonald's - What Is It?

This Needle Thing Was Just Found In A Hamburger At A Lexington, Ky Mcdonald's - What Is It?

triptanic Report

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erbakan_b avatar
Cat on a bike
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is definitely not something that should be anywhere near food. Lawsuit coming...

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#47

It Slid Out Of My Cooked Egg. What Is This Thing?

It Slid Out Of My Cooked Egg. What Is This Thing?

Kieley94 Report

#48

For A Friend...what Is This Thing?

For A Friend...what Is This Thing?

more_than_words Report

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Last2Know
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I had to make butter by hand like this, i'd most certainly eat less of it

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#49

These Spots On The Chicken Out Of A Frozen Store-Bought Package, Each Bit Has This Around The Bone. What Is This Thing?

These Spots On The Chicken Out Of A Frozen Store-Bought Package, Each Bit Has This Around The Bone. What Is This Thing?

66Section Report

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Lara B.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's horrible :( That's why I get my chickens from my neighbour. I know where they are from and I also know that they had a fabulous life.

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#50

Thing Pulled Out Of A Dog's Mouth, Looks Like A Sandworm From Dune. What Is This Thing?

Thing Pulled Out Of A Dog's Mouth, Looks Like A Sandworm From Dune. What Is This Thing?

umlaut Report

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CultOfBambi
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the cockapillar, from a few posts back. I thought it would be larger...

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#51

Found Hanging From A Tree. Pen For Scale. Feels Like Cotton. What Is This Thing?

Found Hanging From A Tree. Pen For Scale. Feels Like Cotton. What Is This Thing?

UniqueUsername171 Report

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Robert Morson
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another person who found something freaky-looking and picked it up with his hands.

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#52

What Is This Professor Wearing? I Believe He Is In Computer Engineering

What Is This Professor Wearing? I Believe He Is In Computer Engineering

slick_stone_bridges Report

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Daria B
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's a super saiyan, and he finds your power level ridiculously low.

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#53

I Know This Is Uranium Glass But What Is It Used For? The Top Comes Off

I Know This Is Uranium Glass But What Is It Used For? The Top Comes Off

clwlaw Report

#54

My Mom Saw These On A Car In Southwest Florida, Not Sure What They Are?

My Mom Saw These On A Car In Southwest Florida, Not Sure What They Are?

IONTOP Report

#55

What Is This Tool- Some Sort Of Gauge? Made By Starrett

What Is This Tool- Some Sort Of Gauge? Made By Starrett

---saki--- Report

#56

Found In A London Airbnb. What Is This Thing?

Found In A London Airbnb. What Is This Thing?

Lazylaz500 Report

#57

Found In My Backyard Pond. Floating By That Sack Filled With Fluid. What Is This Thing?

Found In My Backyard Pond. Floating By That Sack Filled With Fluid. What Is This Thing?

derplin Report