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Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, USA
Carved by time, wind and water, Capitol Reef National Park showcases rust-hued cliffs and the natural beauty of the American West. President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognised the park"s splendour by designating it as a national monument in 1937, and later it was elevated to a national park in 1971. The park was named after a series of Navajo sandstone domes that were said to resemble the US Capitol Building, while the Waterpocket Fold was referred to as a reef since it obstructed smooth transportation. Known as "a wrinkle in the Earth"s crust," the Waterpocket Fold was carved by eons of erosion. The 161-kilometre-long monocline—a step-like fold—was presumably formed around 50 to 70 million years ago, and is home to towering cliffs, narrow canyons and colourful rock formations.Desktop Version
Northern hawk-owl
Northern hawk-owl
Do you find yourself thriving in the daytime while your friends love to stay out late? If so, you"ve got a friend in the northern hawk-owl, one of the world"s few owls that is only active during the day. This vocal bird inhabits the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia and has different calls for mating, communicating with young and announcing that danger is nearby. Northern hawk-owls aren"t picky eaters, they"ll consume mice, rats, voles, lemmings, rabbits, shrews, moles, occasionally other small birds and have even been seen eating frogs and fish. No worries, we"re not on the menu, but if you wander too close to their nest, protective parents have been known to swoop at humans to keep them away.Desktop Version
The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland
The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland
Lightsabers gleam and droids beep; let"s all geek! Today"s image flashes out a filming location from the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, the island of Skellig Michael, off the coast of southwestern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage landmark houses a preserved monastery from the 6th century, founded by early monks. The site"s beehive huts and stone staircases were showcased as the backdrop of a cloistered island on planet Ahch-To, where Jedi Master Luke Skywalker sought refuge in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Skellig Michael"s abundant seabird population, including puffins, inspired the creation of the penguin-like porgs that roost on Ahch-To. So, grab your Wookiee co-pilot, hop in your starship and may the force be strong as you journey through this galactic Earth location not so far away!Desktop Version
Heidelberg on the river Neckar, Germany
Heidelberg on the river Neckar, Germany
If that"s not a postcard motif, what is? Here is a beautiful view of the city of Heidelberg, Germany, which sits majestically on the banks of the Neckar. The charming old town beckons with winding streets and historic buildings, while Heidelberg Castle rises high above the city and offers a breathtaking panorama. The Neckar, a tranquil river, winds through the city and offers scenic views from the waterfront promenades and bridges. The Neckar meadow invites you to linger and offers an idyllic retreat for walks and picnics.Desktop Version
Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Welcome to nature"s bowling alley. Bowling Ball Beach on the Mendocino Coast in California, USA, is named after the striking rock formations strewn across the shore. These sandstone balls—a phenomenon known as concretions—formed over millions of years as sedimentary layers built up around a central core of sand and stone held together by mineral cements. Erosion gradually wore away the outer layers to expose the spherical shapes we see today. This created a fascinating spectacle that only appears at low tide. Concretions are rare, and there has been plenty of wild speculation about where they come from, with some believing them to be extraterrestrial debris while others wondering if they are dinosaur fossils. The answer, however, is quite simple: it is the forces of nature at play.Desktop Version
Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
Fireworks over Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada
New Year"s Eve, also known as Old Year"s Day, is celebrated around the world with revelry, fireworks and for some, religious and cultural observances. Many countries celebrate with foods symbolic of prosperity, long life and good fortune for the coming year, and many people sing Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne" at the stroke of midnight to remember old friends and past experiences. The new year is often personified as a baby, a tradition that dates back to ancient Greeks, often paired with an old man who represents the previous year.Desktop Version
Mylopotamos, Greece
Mylopotamos, Greece
What could be more mesmerising than these snake-like steps etched along the shore of Mylopotamos, in the Thessaly region of Greece? Nestled on the eastern coast of the mountainous Pelion peninsula in central Greece, Mylopotamos is home to a unique blend of lush landscapes with a white-pebbled beach with crystal-clear waters that invite nature lovers from all over the world. The route to Mylopotamos is equally enchanting, guiding travellers through the quaint village of Tsagarada in eastern Pelion. Enough steps for today? Don"t worry, there"s a beach bar along the way.Desktop Version
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Hidden among the forests of northern Armenia, Haghartsin Monastery is a gem of medieval Armenian architecture. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park, the monastery complex consists of several ornate structures, including the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory"s Church and St. Stepanos" Church. The buildings date back to the 10th century and are adorned with intricately carved stone monuments, crossing arches and other decorative details, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the era. Haghartsin, which translates to "dance of the eagles," offers a serene escape for those seeking to connect with the country"s rich history. A sense of timelessness pervades as you wander through its quiet courtyards and explore the forested surroundings.Desktop Version
European hedgehog
European hedgehog
Brown, round, tiny and spiny—say hello to the European hedgehog! While this is the only species of hedgehog in the United Kingdom, where our image was taken, 17 other species can be found across Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand.Desktop Version
Beach chairs on Steinwarder in Heiligenhafen, Germany
Beach chairs on Steinwarder in Heiligenhafen, Germany
Did you know that the first beach chairs were developed in the 19th century to protect against the fine sand and wind? Beach chairs have a special charm even in stormy weather, as in the picture today in front of the pier on Steinwarder in Heiligenhafen, Germany. Steinwarder, a picturesque peninsula, was originally only connected to the mainland by salt marshes and the Eichholz lowlands. Today, it is a paradise for vacationers seeking peace and nature.Desktop Version
Rainbow across the Kakshaal Too mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Rainbow across the Kakshaal Too mountains, Kyrgyzstan
As Kermit the Frog once sang, "Rainbows are visions, but only illusions, and rainbows have nothing to hide." Rainbows occur when sunlight reflects and disperses through raindrops in the atmosphere. In today"s image, we see a rainbow splashed across the majestic Kakshaal Too mountains in Kyrgyzstan. The Kakshaal Too range, with its rugged peaks and pristine valleys, is a fitting backdrop for the fleeting beauty of rainbows. A landlocked country in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The country"s nomadic traditions, such as yurt camps, which are camps that consist of portable tents covered with skin or felt, and handmade textiles like Tush kyiz and Shyrdaks, provide a glimpse into its vibrant cultural tapestry.Desktop Version
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Walruses are magnificent marine mammals that inhabit the cold Arctic seas. These impressive creatures, scientifically known as Odobenus rosmarus, are known for their huge size, with adult males weighing up to 1,500 kilograms and measuring about 3.6 metres in length. Their distinctive tusks, which are elongated canine teeth, can reach lengths of up to 1 metre and are utilised for various tasks such as aiding in hauling themselves onto floating ice, puncturing breathing holes in the ice and self-defence. These social animals often gather in large groups, a behaviour known as "haulouts," where they rest, socialise and nurse their young. Conservation efforts are crucial for walrus populations, as they are threatened by climate change and habitat loss due to diminishing Arctic ice.Desktop Version
Tarantula Nebula
Tarantula Nebula
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a groundbreaking astronomical observatory that has revolutionised our understanding of the universe. Launched in 2021, it"s a joint project by NASA, European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. The JWST observes distant celestial objects in infrared wavelengths. Its primary goals include studying the formation of stars and galaxies, tracking the evolution of galaxies and investigating exoplanet atmospheres for potential signs of life.Desktop Version
Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
Sometimes it"s nice to get away. Thanks to environmentalist Howard Zahniser, Americans can do that in one of the country"s many wildernesses—areas sheltered from human activities. Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is one such protected area. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, the Enchantments has more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.Desktop Version
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand
In vibrant Thailand, the city of Bangkok pulses with life! Covering an area of over 1,540 square kilometres, it is estimated that over ten million people live there, over 15 percent of the country"s population. The capital city is home to a bustling urban infrastructure, featuring a complex network of traffic circles and highways. In 1864, the completion of Charoen Krung Road marked a turn in the city"s transit by serving as a pioneering construction project utilising western techniques. The introduction of a complex elevated expressway network in 1972 and the Don Mueang Tollway has made it easier to drive in and out of the city. Over the years, the road network has evolved to meet the demands of this sprawling urban expanse.Desktop Version
Spot-billed toucanet, Brazil
Spot-billed toucanet, Brazil
The spot-billed toucanet, seen today, is a species of toucan that stands out for its green plumage and a striking orange beak adorned with black spots. Females, like the one seen here, are mainly coloured in green, brown and yellow, while males add red and blue to the mix. Primarily found in in the Amazon and Pantanal regions of Brazil, these spot-billed toucanets inhabit humid tropical forests, where they feed on a variety of fruits, insects and small vertebrates. Their presence is essential for seed dispersal, an important role in the ecology of these forests. However, like many species, the spot-billed toucanet faces threats due to habitat loss and environmental degradation—an example of the need for conservation efforts to protect this fascinating species and Brazil"s biodiversity.Desktop Version
Basalt columns in Kálfshamarsvík cove, Skagi peninsula, Iceland
Basalt columns in Kálfshamarsvík cove, Skagi peninsula, Iceland
Today"s image takes us to Kálfshamarsvík—a secluded cove on the country"s remote Skagi peninsula. Unlike Iceland"s famous black sand beaches, this cove"s shore is strewn with large, smooth pebbles, while its fiery volcanic past still reveals itself in the towering cliffs. Here, evidence of volcanic activity is on full display in the form of rare hexagonal basalt columns. These sea cliffs are shaped into natural sculptures so symmetrical that they look almost man-made. These striking formations were created around 2 million years ago, when thick basalt lava cooled slowly, contracting and cracking into geometric shapes that formed near-perfect hexagons. Though Iceland is full of volcanic marvels, formations like these are rare, making this quiet cove truly remarkable.Desktop Version
Galápagos tortoise
Galápagos tortoise
In 1835, British naturalist Charles Darwin explored the volcanic Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean. While studying the islands" creatures, he concluded that a diverse array of animal species hailing from South America, primarily reptiles and birds capable of traversing the vast expanse of water, had migrated to the Galápagos and gradually adapted to their surroundings. One of the species examined in the study was the Galápagos giant tortoise, a tortoise only found on the Galápagos Islands, that can grow up to 2 metres long and weigh over 270 kilograms. The islands are named after these magnificent creatures: "galápago" means tortoise in Spanish. Let’s celebrate these gentle giants, which contributed to one of the great scientific discoveries of the 19th century.Desktop Version
Pygmy three-toed sloth
Pygmy three-toed sloth
The messy hairstyle and friendly face of this pygmy three-toed sloth in today"s image might make you want to join the branch party, but these animals are not at all easy to find. Also known as the monk sloth or dwarf sloth, the species is endemic exclusively to a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama, Isla Escudo de Veraguas. This species is significantly smaller than other kinds of sloths. They are about 50 centimetres in length and weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. Sadly, the pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature"s list.Desktop Version
Tokyo at sunrise, Japan
Tokyo at sunrise, Japan
Featured in today"s image is Tokyo—the dynamic capital of Japan—where tradition meets innovation. Formerly known as Edo, it was just a modest fishing village. It gained political prominence in 1603, when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. By the mid-18th century, Edo was one of the largest cities in the world, with over a million residents. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the imperial capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. The city"s skyline is defined by iconic skyscrapers such as the soaring Tokyo Skytree and the striking Metropolitan Government Building, while historic treasures like Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace Gardens provide a captivating window into Japan"s rich cultural heritage.Desktop Version
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle perches over a black crag of volcanic rock in Northumberland, England. The castle area and the nearby beaches are covered by the region"s distinct sand landforms, the Bamburgh Dunes, seen in the foreground of today"s image. The fortress, once a strategic Anglo-Saxon stronghold, evolved over centuries into the imposing structure seen today. The castle played a pivotal role in defending against the Viking invasion in 993. However, the Norsemen destroyed the original fortification, after which significant enhancements were made during the medieval period. The castle also served as the seat of the ancient Northumbrian kingdom—a medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom, in present-day Northern England and south-east Scotland. After surviving its share of invasions and attacks, Bamburgh Castle has made its way to the limelight due to its impressive silhouette against the North Sea, having been featured in productions like "Macbeth," "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and "Ivanhoe."Desktop Version
Red Rocks, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Red Rocks, Sedona, Arizona, United States
Sedona, Arizona, is a place where nature, history and spirituality converge amidst stunning red rock formations. These fiery sandstone creations, part of the Schnebly Hill Formation, were shaped over millions of years during the Permian Period as sediment accumulated in an ancient sea. Over time, erosion has further sculpted Sedona"s landscapes, which now glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. Notable formations such as Wilson Mountain, Seven Sacred Pools and Cathedral Rock offer iconic views.Desktop Version
Pont St-Pierre across the Garonne River, Toulouse, France
Pont St-Pierre across the Garonne River, Toulouse, France
As the sun sets over the Garonne River, Toulouse reveals one of its most beautiful panoramas: the Saint-Pierre Bridge and the majestic Dôme de la Grave reflected in the water. This bridge, connecting the two banks of the Ville Rose, was built in 1849, then rebuilt in 1927 and 1987 to adapt to modern needs. Opposite it, the Dôme de la Grave, crowning the former hospital of the same name, dominates the landscape. This 19th-century architectural masterpiece is a symbol of Toulouse, visible from afar thanks to its imposing silhouette. Once dedicated to the sick and the poor, the Hôpital de la Grave bears witness to the city"s medical past, and today it remains a centre of research and innovation.Desktop Version
Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Amid the canals of Venice is the Santa Maria della Salute Basilica is a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was considered to be the protector of the Republic of Venice. Designed by Baldassare Longhena, who"s magnificent basilica is characterised by its scrolls supporting the dome, incorporates beautiful effects and make it one of the most significant structures representing early Italian Baroque architecture. However, what truly captures the essence of Venice is the colours, the interplay of light and shadows and the shimmering reflections seen throughout the streets and canals. These elements resonate in all forms of expression originating from this captivating city.Desktop Version
Coyote Gulch, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, USA
Coyote Gulch, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah, USA
Camouflaged in beautiful colours, the cottonwood tree in today"s image might be playing peek-a-boo among the red sandstones of Coyote Gulch. Located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah, the canyon is painted reddish-orange by the presence of oxidising water and other fluids, and iron-filled minerals.Desktop Version