Ballpark

Puzzle #8 · 27 September 2026

The five questions from that day's Ballpark, each with its answer, the fact behind it and a link to the source. Rather play it first? It is in the archive.

1. According to NOAA, how much farther from Earth's center is the summit of Ecuador's Mount Chimborazo than the summit of Mount Everest?

2,072 meters

Over 2,072 m (6,800 ft), thanks to Earth's bulge at the equator, even though Chimborazo is only 6,268 m above sea level. Source

Image: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

2. What is the maximum height of the outer wall of the Great Enclosure at Great Zimbabwe, the ruined stone city in southern Africa?

11 meters

11 m (36 ft), in a wall some 250 m around. Britannica calls the Great Enclosure the largest single ancient structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Source

Image: Andrew Moore · CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped

3. What is the maximum passenger capacity of Icon of the Seas, which became the world's largest cruise ship when it entered service in 2024?

7,600 passengers

7,600 passengers when every berth is filled (5,610 at two per cabin), looked after by a crew of 2,350. Source

Image: Chakie2 · CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

4. Across how many small islands is the city of Venice spread, according to UNESCO?

118 islands

118 small islands in a lagoon. Founded in the 5th century, Venice became a major maritime power in the 10th. Source

Image: Wolfgang Moroder · CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

5. How many teeth does a great white shark have at once?

300 teeth

About 300, arranged in up to seven rows. Source

Image: Elias Levy · CC BY 2.0, cropped