Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, USA 2 May 2024

Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho, USA

Buckle up, Earthlings, as you venture into an extraterrestrial realm right here on our planet! Surrounded by the rugged landscape of Idaho, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve was born of the volcanic forces that shaped the region thousands of years ago. Visitors are greeted by a surreal vista of vast lava fields, cinder cones and spatter cones, reminiscent of a lunar surface, spread across more than 80 square miles. Did you know that the Apollo 14 astronauts trained here to prepare for their moon missions? The space travellers were able gain insight into similar conditions found on the moon by exploring the unique volcanic geology of the Craters of the Moon.

© Alan Majchrowicz/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Bright blue lakes and rugged mountains
Heavenly hot springs

More Desktop Wallpapers:

12 Feb 2024Darwin Day
A deadly coast
Happy New Year!
America’s backyard
12 Oct 2023Palouse region, Idaho, USA
From victory to festivity
All going swimmingly
Gateway to Iberia
25 Sep 2023Sea otters
19 Jan 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
In the foothills of Snowdon
A bridge that holds up history
23 Oct 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Just a couple of know-it-owls
The sprout with amazing potential
7 Oct 2023Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA
Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
24 Jan 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
Glasto turns 50
30 Dec 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
Where the humpback whale sings
Where is this hidden waterfall?
Magnificent moss, magnified
The ‘eighth wonder’?
18 Apr 2024International Day for Monuments and Sites
A warm hug in the icy north
8 Feb 2024Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Where history comes alive
Postcard from Italy
One on land, a million in space