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Dec 22, 2023Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria, United Kingdom

According to archaeologists, ancient civilisations arranged stone circles to align with lunar and solar positions, which were used to celebrate events such as the solstice. Today"s image showcases the Castlerigg Stone Circle, an ancient Neolithic monument located in the Lake District National Park, Northwest England. The impressive site dates back to 3000 BCE and boasts 40 stones arranged in a circular pattern. While some aspects of Castlerigg"s solar alignments remain a mystery, the allure of its ancient charm has drawn visitors and researchers throughout the centuries.Desktop Version

Dec 23, 2023Chinstrap penguins

Sometimes when stuck with family, it might be tempting to give them an earful, like this chinstrap penguin is doing here on the South Sandwich Islands, in the South Atlantic Ocean. This particular penguin gets its name from the black band beneath its head. Unlike other penguins, Chinstraps prefer nesting on rockier slopes and are an aggressive species among their kind. In their natural habitat, they primarily feed on krill and face threats from leopard seals, their main predator. Catch them in their natural habitat along with Adélie and macaroni penguins. You can tell them apart from the others by the ring—or chinstrap—around their neck and by their loud and harsh call that sounds like quite the grievance indeed.Desktop Version

Dec 24, 2023Town Hall Square, Tartu, Estonia

Today"s snapshot portrays the annual celebration in the Town Hall Square of Tartu, Estonia, which is illuminated with gleaming lights and adorned with a display of Christmas trees. Tartu, located in the region of Estonia is often hailed as the "intellectual capital city" of the country. The city was designed by the German architect JHB Walter. Some notable attractions surrounding the square include Tartu Town Hall and the Arched Bridge. Travellers come here to visit the Emajõgi River which leads to a park adorned with historic monuments that pay homage to prominent figures from Tartu and Estonia.Desktop Version

Dec 25, 2023Reindeer running in snow

Don"t be surprised if these reindeer take flight! Ever since Clement Clarke Moore assigned reindeer to be Santa"s helpers in his 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas", they have eagerly contributed to the Christmas celebration. Thanks to their resilient and adaptable features, like their two layers of dense fur or eyes adapted to a wide range of light wavelengths, these mammals are accustomed to diverse environments. 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 and Siberia. Their hooves can expand or shrink in size depending on the season and the quality of the ground, which keeps their heavy frame, crowned with antlers, standing on stable feet.Desktop Version

Dec 26, 2023Dedham, Colchester, England

Take a stroll through the wintry beauty of nature, like the picturesque fields you can see in Dedham, Colchester, England. Colchester, once the capital of Roman Britain, boasts historic sites and ruins with contributions from the Normans, Tudors and Victorians. From exploring the remains of the country"s churches to wandering through the charming streets of the Dutch Quarter, where "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was penned, there are captivating stories waiting to be uncovered at every turn.Desktop Version

Dec 27, 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has "GoT" it all. Standing here proudly is the 463-metre-high Kirkjufell. The lofty hill is often referred to as "Church Mountain" due to its distinctive shape resembling a church steeple. You might recognise it from the "Game of Thrones" series where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. Because of its pyramid shape, colours that shift with the seasons, and coastal location, this nunatak—a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier—is a frequent subject for photographers. If you"re lucky, and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell also offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.Desktop Version

Dec 28, 2023Humpback whale

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 due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear, but thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimate 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.Desktop Version

Dec 29, 2023Oud-West neighbourhood, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of the Netherlands intrigues visitors from all over the world with its historic canals, versatile architecture and laidback atmosphere. 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. Today, it boasts institutions like the Van Gogh Museum, the Eye Film Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which offer insights into the country"s history and arts legacy. Amsterdam"s canal ring area, built around 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, especially in neighbourhoods like Oud-West, pictured in today"s image. Get ready to pedal because Amsterdam"s cycling culture is ubiquitous. With approximately 515 kilometres of bike lanes, it"s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.Desktop Version

Dec 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan

The Tadami Line is one of the most scenic railway lines in Japan. It winds through beautiful landscapes from Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture to Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture. The Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, pictured in today"s image, is a well-known landmark along this stretch. As the train glides across the bridge, travellers are treated to gorgeous vistas of the river below and the lush 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 colour in a blanket of white.Desktop Version

Dec 31, 2023Phra Nakhon Khiri, Thailand

New Year"s Eve is celebrated in many countries to see out the old year and hope for the promises of the new one. The traditions of different nations can be quite creative when it comes to saying farewell to the year. Celebrators in Thailand might visit a temple for good luck or watch the fireworks illuminating Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as "holy city hill," based in the historical park of the same name. Wherever you celebrate, have a great one.Desktop Version

Jan 1, 2024Red fox

This fox is having a snooze in the snow in Abruzzo, Italy. But when awake, red foxes, the most common fox species in the world, are cunning, fast and in the case of vixens, fiercely protective of their young. Fox kits are born blind, deaf, toothless and without the ability to thermoregulate. Vixens feed, protect and warm their young for months. Once the kits are old enough to survive on their own, vixens return to a solitary lifestyle.Desktop Version

Jan 2, 2024Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort, India

As the sun sets, a warm glow envelops the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, creating a captivating picture. Within this scene stands the Mehrangarh Fort, which served as the seat of power for the Rathore dynasty and witnessed both victory and challenges. Over the course of 500 years, the fort underwent several architectural changes, beginning with its foundation in 1459 by then-ruler Rao Jodha.Desktop Version

Jan 3, 2024Lake Minnewanka, Alberta, Canada

For centuries, humans have gazed up at the sight of stars above Lake Minnewanka. The Nakoda residents, who revered the lake for the spirits that they believed reside within it, fished and hunted along its shores with respect. The name Minnewanka comes from "Minn-waki", which translates to "Lake of the Spirits." As tourism began to develop in the Canadian Rockies, a settlement was built on the lakeshore. As the lake was dammed twice, first in 1895 and then in 1912 to reserve water for a hydroelectric plant downstream, the Minnewanka Landing settlement was submerged by the rising water levels. This glacial lake, which is only accessible by scuba diving, is the second-largest in Banff National Park, stretching approximately 21 kilometres in length.Desktop Version

Jan 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

An exemplary engineering accomplishment, the Golden Gate Bridge stands like a sentinel over the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Blanketed by the fog above the waters of the Golden Gate Strait, its towers, adorned with Art Deco elements, reach a height of 227 metres. This bridge was the result of combined efforts put in by engineer Joseph Strauss, architect Irving Marrow and many others towards connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge was painted International Orange—the golden adjective refers to the sun-reflecting waters below—and was opened to the public in 1937. It wasn"t an easy vision to accomplish, especially as it was built during the Great Depression. The infrastructure investment paid off, as its construction employed thousands, contributing to both local employment and technological growth. The Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to human innovation, is a timeless masterpiece blending functionality with beauty.Desktop Version

Jan 5, 2024Bavarian Alps, Germany

The crisp winter air settles above the snow-covered mountain landscape of the Bavarian Alps, located in Germany"s southern region and continuing across the border into Austria. Its snowy peaks are reflected in the smooth mirror of the frozen lake, giving the impression of harmonious silence and tranquility—which might be interrupted by the soft crunch of the snow under the footsteps of hikers or travellers. Today, Southern Bavaria has become a well-known destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.Desktop Version

Jan 6, 2024A male chaffinch in a crab apple tree

Crab apple trees are known for their beauty and occasional harvests of small, vibrant fruits. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they contribute to biodiversity by attracting pollinators such as bees, fostering a healthy ecosystem. While their fruits are generally smaller and more tart than those of regular apples, some varieties are cultivated for culinary purposes, including jams and jellies. Gardeners and landscapers often appreciate their versatility and use them to enhance the visual appeal of outdoor environments. Whether as stand-alone specimens or part of larger garden designs, these bring a delightful blend of natural beauty and ecological benefits to diverse settings.Desktop Version

Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia

These aren"t your ordinary rocks! One of the oldest known religious locations, the Devils Marbles, holds significant value for Aboriginal Australians as an ancient sacred site. Today, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve—also called Karlu Karlu—in the Northern Territory of Australia preserves the collection of giant, round, gravity-defying boulders. These rocks are composed of granite, and their peculiar shape is the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. Did you know that the Earth"s oldest rock is truly out of this world? Lunar sample 14321, or "Big Bertha," has been dated to be approximately 4.46 billion years old—just a smidge younger than the Earth itself—and was recovered from the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. Scientists believe that the rock was a meteorite from Earth that hit the moon, and then we brought it all the way back, millions of years later. Whether you"re a geology nerd or just a casual nature lover, embrace the minerals around you and rock on!Desktop Version

Jan 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland

Awe-struck by this white winter expanse? That"s exactly what visitors feel when they witness the Bernina Pass in the Alps, in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world and stands tall at an elevation of 2,328 metres. This pass may be home to ski areas now, but it was a vital trade route during the Middle Ages. Fun fact: The first evidence of skiing dates to around 6000 BCE in Russia. Boasting excellent snow conditions from November to March, the Bernina Pass is a must-visit spot on every skier"s bucket list!Desktop Version

Jan 9, 2024Rio Grande, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Is your head in the clouds? It"s time to keep it there! In today"s image, the sun sets over the Rio Grande and casts a light on the colourful hot air balloons above Albuquerque, New Mexico. Every year, people gather from all over the globe for the nine-day-long Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—the largest hot air balloon festival in the world—to see skilled pilots expertly manoeuvre their baskets. Travellers throughout the year visit the capital city of New Mexico for the thrilling balloon rides, its cultural heritage, flavourful cuisine and breathtaking landscapes.Desktop Version

Jan 10, 2024Mylopotamos, 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

Jan 11, 2024Eurasian lynx

Ready for a next-level staring contest? The Eurasian lynx, sporting a grey or rusty fur with patterned dark spots, is hard to catch sight of, even though it is widely distributed from Europe to Central Asia and Siberia. Known for their elusive nature, these cats often go unnoticed for years in their native habitats. Their low vocalisations are heard by other lynx but can escape the notice of humans. Eurasian lynxes are primarily active at night, dawn and dusk, but can hunt during the day when they need to. These solitary hunters are renowned for their keen senses and remarkable agility. In temperate forests, where they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping prey species numbers in check, their primary food includes rabbits, hares, marmots and other small mammals.Desktop Version

Jan 12, 2024Bukhansan National Park, South Korea

Just a few kilometres north of the bustling capital city of Seoul, South Korea"s Bukhansan National Park is a treasured retreat for city dwellers and international visitors. The park, established in 1983, hosts lush forests, ancient temples and the three granite peaks of Bukhan Mountain. Among the park"s ridges and valleys, water deer, wild boar, chipmunks and squirrels roam freely. A careful ear might pick out the rat-a-tat of woodpeckers or the chirpy melody of the various songbirds that perch in the trees. The park is also home to Bukhansanseong Fortress, whose current structure dates back to 1711. The fortification was constructed to protect Seoul from external threats, which it did during the Korean War.Desktop Version

Jan 13, 2024Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Tourists often equate Hawaii with relaxation, but one of its most well-known attractions—the Road to Hana—might have you gripping a steering wheel tightly. Stretching for 103 kilometres along the northern coast of Maui from Kahului to the quiet town of Hana, the highway has over 600 curves and numerous one-lane bridges. The drive takes focus, so don"t forget to stop and relax at the lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls. Some highlights along the route include the Waikamoi Ridge Trail, the easily accessible Twin Falls and the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park.Desktop Version

Jan 14, 2024Whooper swans

An elegant creature for a majestic setting. These all-white birds with yellow-and-black bills, gliding on the mirror of Lake Kussharo in Japan, are whooper swans—the Eurasian equivalent to the North American trumpeter swans. Named for their loud "whooping" call, these beauties, with a wingspan between 2 to 3 metres, are one of the world"s heaviest birds that are able to fly. While whooper swans are Finland"s national bird, they only spend their breeding season there. Those swans, as well as others in various northern areas migrate to warmer, often coastal areas when cold weather sets in. All that travel doesn"t ruin their relationships—these waterfowl form strong, monogamous pairs that can last for life.Desktop Version

Jan 15, 2024The Eiskapelle, Bavaria, Germany

The Eiskapelle, or Ice Chapel, is a natural cave tucked in the impressive Bavarian Alps around the Königssee—a lake located in southeastern Germany. The Eiskapelle"s formation is attributed to the melting of the glacier that surrounds the Watzmann mountain and is particularly attractive due to its natural icicles and ice formations. Over the years, the site has undergone significant transformations due to environmental changes and temperature fluctuation. Despite the threat of global warming, scientists remain optimistic about this landscape"s preservation. The reason? Avalanches that descend from the Alps each winter provide new sources of snow and ice that should keep the cave sustained for years to come.Desktop Version

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