Bing Images archive 2023/12

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  2023-12-01Antarctica Day

  The windiest, coldest, and driest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was officially discovered in 1820. In the following decades, several countries organized expeditions to reach and explore the Antarctic ice sheets. The southernmost continent had no indigenous population and various nations claimed ownership. But in 1959, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty, banning military activities and setting Antarctica aside for scientific research. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this treaty, which now has 56 parties.

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  2023-12-02Angkor, Cambodia

  Towering temples, moss-covered ruins, and enchanting forests can all be found in the ancient site of Angkor in Cambodia, once the center of the powerful Khmer Empire. Pictured on our homepage is the North Gate of Angkor Thom, the "Great City" within Angkor, built in the 12th century. Strolling through Angkor Thom"s intricate ruins, gates, and Bayon Temple, with its 216 gigantic smiling stone faces, is like stepping into an adventure movie. Angkor"s star attraction, Angkor Wat, is the world"s largest religious monument—spread across 402 acres—and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. It was initially constructed as a Hindu temple before becoming a Buddhist site. So, if you"re looking for a blend of history, art, and nature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site guarantees an unforgettable journey into the past.

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  2023-12-03Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

  Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona features sandstone rock formations, towering hoodoos, and surreal slot canyons. The monument, established in 2000, was named after the vibrant red hues that dominate this sandstone landscape. Once you get a permit to take part in this outdoor excursion, make sure to visit the "Wave." It"s a stunning geological wonder, with flowing layers of rocks that look like red liquid that has been frozen in time. Other visual treats include Cobra Arch and the White Pocket rock formations, featuring swirling patterns in white, red, and orange.

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  2023-12-04International Cheetah Day

  In the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, cheetahs reign as the sprinting champions of the wildlife kingdom. With speeds up to 70 miles per hour, cheetahs thrive on the open savanna, always on alert for signs of prey. While the Maasai Mara is known for its exceptional East African cheetah population, globally the species" survival is threatened by habitat loss and human influence. Today, which is both International Cheetah Day and Wildlife Conservation Day, let"s raise awareness about the cheetah"s plight. It"s a day to appreciate the beauty and importance of not just these wild cats, but all wildlife that shares the world with us.

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  2023-12-05Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, Bavaria, Germany

  The Bavarian Alps, a mountain range in southern Germany, are home to these enchanting 19th-century castles, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Neuschwanstein Castle, on the left of our homepage image, was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Building work began in 1869 on this Romanesque Revival palace with its fairy-tale-like architecture and breathtaking mountain backdrop. Across the valley, gazing out over Lake Alpsee, is the equally spectacular Hohenschwangau Castle, built by Ludwig II"s father, King Maximilian II of Bavaria. These two castles boast rich interiors with intricate artwork and historical artifacts. Both castles attract millions of visitors every year, offering a glimpse into the opulent past of Bavaria.

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  2023-12-06Computer Science Education Week

  Computer science is a dynamically developing discipline that has revolutionized our lives within a few decades. For Computer Science Education Week, we celebrate information systems and their power to connect the world, 24 hours a day. Where better to mark the occasion than the European Organization for Nuclear Research, known as CERN—birthplace of the World Wide Web? The 89-foot ball seen on today’s homepage is CERN"s Globe of Science and Innovation in Switzerland, in which visitors can learn more about the organization"s research work on particle physics. Quiet observers can wander around exhibitions and follow guided tours, and curious minds can take part in lab workshops and science shows for a first-hand experience.

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  2023-12-07National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

  On the morning of December 7, 1941, American history changed forever when a surprise attack was launched on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japanese bombers and submarines struck the island of Oahu, taking the lives of 2,403 Americans and damaging or destroying over 300 airplanes and nearly 20% of the 100-ship Pacific Fleet. The United States entered World War II immediately after the attack, and the event hastened Hawaii"s path to become the 50th state to join the union. As 82 years have passed, few veterans of Pearl Harbor are still alive today. Lou Conter, the last surviving crew member of the USS Arizona, its memorial seen here, turned 102 in September. So, thank you to Lou, and all others who served our country on that infamous day.

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  2023-12-08La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey

  Just off the coast of Normandy, France lies Jersey, a British island with a Norse name. Found on the southeastern shore of the island is La Rocque Harbour, home to a white, sandy beach and an elevated walkway that stretches out into the water. The shoreline"s granite and plutonic rocks, which originated more than 420 million years ago, showcase a variety of colors and textures. Visible from the harbor are the round, stubby Icho Tower and the taller Seymour Tower, built in the 18th and 19th centuries respectively as coastal defense structures. Both structures are over 1,800 feet away from the shore and can be reached on foot with a sturdy pair of shoes, but only on the days of the year where the tide is lowest.

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  2023-12-09National Llama Day

  Strap on your hiking boots because it"s National Llama Day! December 9 is a designated day to appreciate these intelligent and trainable creatures. You"ll need to visit the Andes Mountains to see their wild cousins, guanacos. Guanacos are believed to have originated in the central plains of North America 40 million years ago, but they gradually migrated to South America. Scientists think llamas descended from guanacos and were first domesticated around 4500 BCE.

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  2023-12-10Sand dunes in the Sahara, Algeria

  The Sahara spans over 3 million square miles of North Africa, covering large parts of various countries including Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. Vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and occasional oases create a landscape like no other. Although it is the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara supports drought-resistant plants like acacia and palm trees, and hardy animals such as camels and fennec foxes. Intriguing features include its shifting sand dunes, pictured in today"s image, some of which are over 500 feet high. Ancient rock art and fossils have also been discovered here, providing insights into early civilizations and prehistoric creatures. Sandstorms are common, shaping the ever-changing scenery and adding to the mystique of this natural wonder.

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  2023-12-11International Mountain Day

  Happy International Mountain Day! In celebration of highlands, we"re visiting the dramatic landscape of Huangshan—the Yellow Mountains—of eastern China"s Anhui province. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Huangshan has been described as "the loveliest mountain of China" and has inspired artists and writers throughout history. Composed of granite that formed 140 million years ago, its peaks emerge from seas of clouds, rising to 6,115 feet at its highest point, Lotus Peak. Visitors come here to experience breathtaking rock formations, pine trees, hot springs, and captivating winter landscapes. So, let"s climb high, dream big, and protect our mountains!

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  2023-12-12Poinsettia Day

  During the holiday season, poinsettias brighten up homes in suitably festive coloring, serving as symbols of goodwill. December 12 marks National Poinsettia Day, a special occasion to celebrate this holiday favorite. The plant was introduced to the US by Joel Roberts Poinsett, a botanist and former minister to Mexico who died on this day in 1851. Poinsettias can be found growing in the wild from Mexico to Guatemala. The ancestors of the modern, commercially available version have been traced to the Mexican state of Guerrero. The crimson-leaved plant was used by the Aztecs as a red dye and as a fever-reducing medicine.

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  2023-12-13Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway

  Housed in the Arctic Circle, Norway"s Lofoten Islands are a crossroads of traditional life and modern industry. One of two towns in Lofoten, Svolvaer boasts a long history as a fishing village. Before it became a town of its own, it was part of the town of Vågan, where people have lived for over 1,000 years. Beyond fishing, it also serves as a sanctuary for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway, with as many as 200,000 visitors in a single year. The traditional rorbu houses, built on poles over water, add a distinctive layer of charm to the town. These cabins were once made for traveling fishermen and have now been refurbished to meet contemporary tastes.

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  2023-12-14Christmas Bird Count

  In the world of birdwatching, the Christmas Bird Count, first held back in 1900, is a highlight of the year. The original bird count involved just 27 people spread over 25 locations in the US and Canada. Since then, the annual bird census has grown exponentially, with participants in more than 2,360 locations across various countries.

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  2023-12-15SantaPark, Lapland, Finland

  Deep in the snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland is a city that claims to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a gateway to the Arctic Circle and a destination where reality and folklore merge. Visitors can watch the Northern Lights, explore the Arctic wilderness, and experience the magic of Christmas at various Santa-themed attractions, including SantaPark, an underground theme park designed to emulate the cavern home of the man himself, and the Santa Claus Village. The entrance to SantaPark, lit by glowing lights, is pictured on our homepage today. Other attractions in Rovaniemi include a hotel built from snow and ice, a popular ski resort, and horse sleigh rides around a vast frozen lake.

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  2023-12-16Guild houses of Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium

  Located in the heart of Belgium, Brussels is a vibrant capital city that combines rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan feel. Famous for its architecture and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand-Place of Brussels exudes an air of grandeur with its ornate guildhalls and centuries-old buildings.

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  2023-12-17Bohemian waxwings in Canada

  Among their feathered friends, Bohemian waxwings cut striking figures with their pointed crests, "blushing" faces, and velvety gray plumage with splashes of color. Large groups wander across the northern US and Canada in search of food, swooping on trees and shrubs to find fruit. In winter, they feast upon cotoneaster, juniper, and rowan berries. As spring casts its spell, these nomads settle down for the breeding season. The female waxwings craft the nests, laying two to six bluish-gray eggs, and hatchlings are fed a diet of insects and fruits by both parents. One can easily spot these sociable birds, as they often gather in chirpy flocks in North America and Eurasia.

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  2023-12-18Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

  Carved by time, wind, and water, Capitol Reef National Park showcases rust-hued cliffs and the natural beauty of the American West. The park was named after a series of Navajo sandstone domes said to resemble the US Capitol Building and the Waterpocket Fold, a huge ridge in the Earth"s crust, which was referred to as a reef by prospectors. This 100-mile-long monocline—a step-like fold—is thought to have formed around 50 to 70 million years ago, and is home to towering cliffs, narrow canyons, and colorful rock formations. Capitol Reef was established as a national monument in 1937 and was designated a national park on December 18, 1971.

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  2023-12-19Castle Square, Old Town, Warsaw, Poland

  From early December, the streets and squares of Warsaw, Poland"s capital city, are dressed for the festive season. Christmas decorations light up the Royal Route, which extends south from the Royal Castle on Castle Square, where a nearly 30-foot-tall Christmas tree is installed for the holiday season, to Wilanów Palace. Bundled patrons wander through Warsaw"s Christmas Market, browsing through seasonal souvenirs while savoring a warm beverage. The Royal Castle and surrounding Old Town have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

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  2023-12-20Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy

  Val Gardena in Northern Italy is a popular destination for skiing, rock climbing, and woodcarving enthusiasts, which transforms into Christmas Valley at this time of year. Wooden huts open their doors to visitors, and a nostalgic cable car ride, each cabin adorned with twinkling fairy lights, travels above snow-covered slopes. During the 18th century, the valley became famous for its production of intricately carved wooden figurines, initially made to decorate Catholic churches. Among those creations, the peg wooden doll emerged as one of Val Gardena"s best-known products and is still being produced today.

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  2023-12-21Winter solstice

  Frost-covered birch trees add a graceful touch to this winter landscape in the German state of Bavaria. This region is home to the villages of Uffing and Schöffau, on the shores of Staffelsee lake, and is often covered in mist and snow, creating an ethereal ambience. A winter chill is to be expected today, on the shortest day of the year. Typically falling on December 21, the solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. While we"re wrapping up warm, the Southern Hemisphere is celebrating the start of summer on their longest day of the year.

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  2023-12-22Ljubljana, Slovenia

  What a lovely city! The Slavic word "ljub" means "to love," and it"s right there in the name of Slovenia"s capital city, Ljubljana, and the Ljubljanica River that runs through it. This relatively small capital, with a population of just under 300,000, grew up on a trade route connecting the northern Adriatic Sea and the Danube region. While modern buildings skirt the city"s periphery, its core preserves historic structures, some of which date back to ancient Rome. The Ljubljana Castle, pictured in the center of today"s homepage image, has towered over the city for 900 years. Other sights include the Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and the historic Old Town. Keep an eye out while you stroll around; you might encounter the city"s symbol, the Ljubljana Dragon.

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  2023-12-23Festivus

  Family time during the holidays isn"t always harmonious. Sometimes you might be tempted to channel this chinstrap penguin and give your nearest and dearest an earful. If you need a break from all the seasonal joy, Festivus might be the holiday for you. The idea was popularized in a "Seinfeld" episode, which detailed the Costanza family"s December 23 traditions, including putting up an unadorned aluminum Festivus pole and airing their year-end personal grievances. Since the episode debuted in 1997, Festivus has taken on a life of its own both among fans and people looking for an alternative way to celebrate the season. While most embrace the trappings of the holiday season, Festivus is for the rest of us.

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  2023-12-24Christmas Eve

  There"s a certain magic in knowing that, around the world, shops are closing, streets are emptying, and friends and families are gathering to celebrate Christmas Eve. We each have our own traditions, from filling stockings to hosting parties and playing festive music. Today"s twilight homepage shows the gleaming lights and Christmas trees of Town Hall Square in Tartu, Estonia"s second-largest city. Tartu"s Christmas fair has a merry atmosphere, featuring sleigh rides, fire kettles, and wooden animal carousels, while serving up smoked meats, hot drinks, and gingerbread. Whether you"re partying or cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, embrace the Christmas spirit on this peaceful night—and don"t forget the milk and cookies!

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  2023-12-25Merry Christmas!

  Dashing through the snow on our homepage today, reindeer, or caribou as they are known here in North America, have been synonymous with Christmas for two centuries. American writer Clement Clarke Moore is credited with popularizing them as Santa"s helpers in the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," first published in 1823. And no wonder Santa picked them. With two layers of fur and eyes that adapt to the Arctic"s shifting light levels, reindeer are very versatile. You likely won"t see them fly, but you might find a herd migrating from tundra to forest in the North Polar Region, North America, Northern Europe, or Siberia. Their hooves can expand or shrink according to ground conditions, keeping their heavy frame stable on soft ground in summer, ice in winter, and steep rooftops at Christmas. If you"re celebrating Christmas today, we wish you a merry one.

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  2023-12-26Happy Boxing Day!

  The holiday season isn"t quite over! December 26 marks Boxing Day—a popular day to get outside and enjoy a walk after a day of indulgence. Our homepage image shows a wintry sunrise over fields near the village of Dedham, in Colchester, England¬—perfect walking country.

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  2023-12-27Kirkjufell, Iceland

  From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes peninsula has "GoT" it all. Pictured here is the 1,519-foot-high Kirkjufell, a hill often called "Church Mountain," as it is said to resemble a steeple. In fact, it is a nunatak, a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier. You might recognize it from the "Game of Thrones" series, where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. When it"s not starring on TV, it is popular with photographers thanks to its unusual shape, coastal location, and colors that shift with the seasons. And if you"re lucky, and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.

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  2023-12-2850 years of the Endangered Species Act

  Today is a special milestone for our furry, scaly, and feathered friends: the Endangered Species Act is turning 50. This landmark legislation, signed into law in 1973, has been helping species on the brink for half a century. Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches, these gentle giants are a success story of the ESA. They were once on the edge of extinction, largely due to commercial whaling, but thanks to conservation efforts, their population has bounced back from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimated 135,000 today. However, our work isn"t over. Challenges persist, from habitat loss to poaching. So, what can we do? Spread the word, support conservation efforts, participate in local initiatives, and be eco-friendly.

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  2023-12-29Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands

  Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands charms visitors with its historic canals, versatile architecture, and laid-back vibe. The city"s history can be traced back to the 12th century when it was a fishing village on the banks of the Amstel River. Institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum, and the National Maritime Museum offer insights into its history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built at the turn of the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to its fair share of restaurants, vintage shops, and outdoor markets in neighborhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 320 miles of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

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  2023-12-30Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan

  The Tadami Line is one of the most scenic railway lines in Japan. It winds through beautiful landscapes over 84 miles from Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima prefecture, to Uonuma, Niigata prefecture. As travelers cross the Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, pictured in today"s image, they are treated to gorgeous vistas of the river below and the forests that blanket the area. After a snowfall, the icy blue water of the Tadami River cuts a bold streak through the forest, providing a welcome splash of color in a blanket of white.

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  2023-12-31Happy New Years Eve!

  It"s the final countdown! Tonight is New Year"s Eve, time to see out the old year and welcome the new. But how you celebrate depends which country you"re in. If you"re not in the US watching the Times Square Ball Drop, you might smash crockery in Denmark, eat 12 grapes as the clock strikes midnight in Spain, or hang onions outside your door in Greece. In Thailand, you might watch the fireworks illuminating Phra Nakhon Khiri, or "holy city hill," a historical park spread over three peaks overlooking the city of Phetchaburi. Wherever you celebrate, have a great one. See you next year!