If we were to burn NH4Cr2O7 with HgSCN in the Dark Ages in Europe and show it to anyone, it is us who would be burning next on a fiery cross of Inquisition. And it’s no wonder, since this experiment produces a truly marvelous result. At first, as you ignite the mixture of NH4Cr2O7 and HgSCN, all you can see is that it is slowly burning with a reddish flame. After a while, however, a crater is formed in the middle of the burning pile, and then, suddenly, tentacle-like appendages start sprouting from the burning mixture. And you can almost hear the scream of the mad occultist – “Come forth, Kraken! Come forth!” But of course, this is simply a chemical reaction that is called the "Pharoah's Serpent". It was also often sold in firework stores until people realized that it was toxic.

Cats are known for their bored and apathetic demeanor and expressions. Redditor and pet owner, Luke – Hero didn’t let that curtail his creative streak – he drew funny expressions for his cat instead. Amazingly, the cat looks pretty cooperative in this collection of grin-inducing pictures.

Scottish Fold cat is displayed during a cat exhibition in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 26 November 2017. Cats owners from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan gathered in Bishkek to show their pets. (Photo by Igor Kovalenko/EPA/EFE/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Award-winning photographer Barry Lewis has been picturing the weird and wonderful late-night Glastonbury experience for more than a decade. Shangri-La is a festival of contemporary performing arts held each year at Glastonbury festival, and Barry Lewis has documented its denizens. Here: Spa in Slumbarave’s Hotel Metropolis, Shangri-La, Glastonbury, 2009. (Photo by Barry Lewis/The Guardian)

Moroccan photographer and filmmaker Achraf Baznani carries on the traditions of Surrealism with his wild, imaginative, and wholly impractical imagery. Among his inventive scenarios, small human figures—often the artist himself—appear trapped within glass jars or the size of a camera lens; in other works, Baznani more or less dissects his body, as for example, in one, he cleanly removes his brain from his cranium, or in another, twists off his hand, much as if it were a light bulb. Imparted throughout such works are strong senses of humor and wonder, and as such, Baznani’s art offers a Surrealistic take on life experience in the digital age.

Amateur Iranian photographer Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji, 23 likes to learn as much as he can about a site before he photographs it. Then he utilizes a variety of wide-angle and fisheye lenses, as well as occasional panoramic techniques to create beautiful new, often mind-bending images. He usually shoots the architectural wonders of Iran, and hopes that the Iranian government will allow him to travel further from home in pursuit of other iconic architectural treasures. Photo: The Nasir al-mulk or “Pink” mosque in Shiraz, Iran. (Photo by Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganj)

Some people use paper as their canvas for creating works of art, Patrik Bundeli, on the other hand, uses Ping-Pong balls. His steady hand turns simple white balls into elaborate cartoonish faces. Some of his works feature black and white gothic visages, while others have adorable little snouts. The latter ones would make a wonderful addition to any working place, putting smiles on everyone’s faces. (Photo by Patrik Bundeli)

Magira, the cat, stands in a new pet cleaning machine known as the PetSpa June 21, 2002 in Miami, Florida. The side-loading washing machine features 37 spray nozzles and is capable of washing, rinsing and blow drying a dog or cat in 30 minutes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)