Aït Benhaddou, Morocco Nov. 9, 2024

Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which gets its name from the way it appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today"s image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar—a kind of fortified village—in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh.

© Cavan Images/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Look, but don’t touch
Nov. 9, 2023Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Nov. 9, 2025Carl Sagan Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

So close, yet so far
Jan. 2, 2026Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Sep. 13, 2025Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
Launching hopes and prayers
A smooth landing, feet first
Jun. 16, 2025World Sea Turtle Day
Oct. 5, 2024World Teachers Day
A cantilevered window to the past
May 3, 2025Happy International Astronomy Day!
Jan. 22, 2025Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Oct. 15, 2024Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Oct. 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Nov. 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Mar. 11, 2025Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Nov. 4, 2025Tower Bridge, London, England
You otter check this out
Living rock
Aug. 18, 2025Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York, United States
Angry bird, doting dad
Jun. 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Oct. 7, 2025Fall colours below Mount Sneffels near Ridgway, Colorado, United States
Zion National Park turns 103
Aug. 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Oct. 1, 2023Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
A triumphant pose
May 15, 2025Palace of Westminster, London, England
Sep. 19, 2024International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Hovering over harmonious horticulture
The worlds most exclusive beach?
A scented sea of purple