Did you think about some little rodent burrowing under your lawn when you read the title? Well, think again.
NATIONAL MOLE DAY
National Mole Day recognizes a special number in chemistry. We’ll eliminate any visions of a burrowing creature celebration immediately. Chemists and chemistry students mark the occasion each year on October 23rd.
More specifically, the celebrations take place between 6:02 AM and 6:02 PM. In the U.S., the time and date are written 6:02 10/23. The time and date are derived from Avogadro’s number. Avagadro’s number is approximately 6.02×10^23. Hence, defining the number of particles (atoms or molecules) in one mole of substance, one of the seven base SI units.
· A mole is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to express amounts of a chemical substance.
· Avogadro’s number is a historical term closely related to the Avogadro constant.
· The Avogadro constant is named after the early 19th-century Italian scientist Amedeo Avogadro.
If you are like me, wondering how many atoms are in a mole can induce mild to sever headaches. I think this next National Day is just the answer.
NATIONAL BOSTON CREAM PIE DAY
National Boston Cream Pie Day serves up a delicious dessert on October 23rd each year. Pie lovers, move along. Cake lovers, pull up a chair. Let’s celebrate the cake with an identity crisis! Boston Cream Pie is a chocolate frosted, custard-filled cake that is loved by millions.
In 1856, at Boston’s Parker House Hotel, French chef Monsieur Augustine Francois Anezin created this pudding and cake combination.
The decadent cake comprises two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla-flavored custard or creme patisserie. The cake is then topped with a chocolate glaze, such as a ganache or sometimes powdered sugar and a cherry.
In 1996, Massachusetts declared the Boston Cream Pie as their official dessert.
