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Sep. 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

Steeped in history, the Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1631 and 1687, the church was a votive offering for the city"s deliverance from a devastating plague in 1630. Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline, as seen in today"s image. Italian architect Baldassare Longhena envisioned this structure at the age of 26, and it became his lifelong project, which was completed after his death. The exterior of the church, with its volutes—spiral, scroll-like ornaments—and statues contrasts with the spacious octagonal interior adorned with works by Renaissance artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Each November, Venice commemorates the church"s significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.Desktop Version

Jul. 27, 2024Vineyards above the Moselle River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Welcome to Palatinate, a wine lover"s dream come true. Known for its picturesque vineyards, the Palatinate in western Germany is characterised by rolling hills, fertile soils and a warm climate. This favourable terroir allows for the cultivation of a diverse variety of grapes. While Riesling reigns supreme, other notable varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Müller-Thurgau and Dornfelder. Palatinate is the largest red wine-producing region in the country, with over 40% of the vineyards devoted to it.Desktop Version

Mar. 16, 2026Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta

This is the kind of landscape that makes maps feel suddenly more interesting. Evening settles quietly over Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta. As temperatures drop, the surface stills, mirroring snow-dusted peaks that formed during the last Ice Age. Stretching about 22 kilometres, the lake owes its existence to glacial movement that carved the valley and left behind meltwater basins. Today, cold, oxygen-rich freshwater sustains ecosystems that include species such as lake trout and mountain whitefish. Boat cruises and paddling routes offer one of the best ways to view Spirit Island, the small but widely photographed landmark featured in the image.Desktop Version

Feb. 19, 2025European river otter

The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.Desktop Version

Jan. 11, 2025Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco

An imperial city in northern central Morocco, Meknes is steeped in history. Once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif of the Alawi dynasty in the 17th century, it"s known for its massive walls, grand gates and structures built to last centuries. Meknes reflects the Moroccan style of architecture, with one of its most impressive landmarks being Heri es-Swani, seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Jan. 21, 2025Squirrel Appreciation Day

What"s that long, bushy tail scurrying across the branches? Chances are, it"s a squirrel. These little rodents are found across most of the globe, and today is their special day: Squirrel Appreciation Day. This unofficial holiday was started by a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator to encourage people to leave out seeds and nuts for these critters. From the tiny least pygmy squirrel—just 14 centimetres long—to the Bhutan giant flying squirrel at more than 122 centimetres, these mammals come in all shapes and sizes.Desktop Version

Nov. 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland

Glacial rivers in "the land of fire and ice"—Iceland—have shaped the landscape over thousands of years. The rivers seen in today"s image are formed from the meltwater of vast glaciers like Vatnajökull, Langjökull and Hofsjökull. Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, covers over 7,500 square kilometres—approximately 10% of the country"s landmass. As the glaciers melt, the water carries fine sediments, creating a braided river system with a milky appearance that contrasts with the earthy tones of the volcanic terrain. Every spring and summer, the rivers swell with seasonal meltwater, continually shaping and reshaping the land. Aerial views reveal their intricate patterns, resembling complex artworks that interweave across the terrain toward the North Atlantic Ocean. The water in Iceland is more than just a beautiful sight; it plays a significant role in renewable energy. Its flow powers hydroelectric power stations, reinforcing Iceland"s status as a leader in sustainable energy.Desktop Version

Feb. 25, 2025Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States

A breathtaking maze of sandstone formations and awe-inspiring views awaits you at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, United States. People have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years, including the Anasazi, Pueblo and Paiute Peoples. The hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion—in the park inspired Paiute mythology: they believed them to be the Legend People turned to stone by the trickster Coyote.Desktop Version

Oct. 31, 2024Happy Halloween!

Do you sometimes get spooked? If you do, that means you have a healthy sense of fun and fear. And what better day of the year than Halloween to indulge in all things scary? The holiday we know today traces its roots to ancient traditions, including the Celts" Samhain, the Romans" Feralia and medieval Christian observances. Today, costumed people mingle in the streets, not unlike their ancestors who donned animal skins to divine the future or celebrate saints and martyrs.Desktop Version

Sep. 6, 2025Rufous hummingbird

They fly backward, dive-bomb rivals and travel farther than most road trippers. Meet the rufous hummingbird—photographed in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California, United States. The bird, one of nine species in the genus Selasphorus, gets its name from its rusty, reddish-orange feathers. Males flash copper backs and red throat patches that shimmer in the sun. Females are more subdued but still carry streaks of rufous on their sides and tails.Desktop Version

Apr. 14, 2025Atlantic spotted dolphins

Sleek, social and spotted—the Atlantic spotted dolphin is a standout in the ocean. Found mainly in warm, temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, these dolphins are known for their unique spotted patterns, which become more visible as they age.Desktop Version

Sep. 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week

This week is Sea Otter Awareness Week, an event that draws attention to these fluffy floating mammals. The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. Weighing 14 to 45 kilograms, they"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food. These clever critters are smart as well as cute: they use rocks to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for almost two centuries, as their dense fur was highly prized.Desktop Version

Oct. 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain

Today we"re stepping into the heart of the historic empire of Islamic Spain. The Royal Alcázar of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, stands on the site of a 10th-century citadel, which was expanded over the following 200 years. When Christian forces captured the city in 1248, the Alcázar was almost totally rebuilt in the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from the intricate patterns and decorative motifs found in Islamic architecture. Within the Alcázar, there are several courtyards lined with delicately carved columns. One of these is the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, pictured here today.Desktop Version

Jul. 8, 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy

Italy"s Dolomites don"t just tower; they enchant, turning every trail into a story. Fondly known as the "Pale Mountains," the Dolomites derive their name from dolomite—a carbonate mineral. Set in the northern Italian Alps, the range spans almost 16,000 square kilometres and boasts 18 soaring peaks that rise above 2,900 metres. These mountains feature sheer cliffs, lofty walls and a maze of narrow, winding valleys.Desktop Version

Oct. 17, 2024Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

If you"ve ever seen photos of endless red fields that look like they"re on fire, you"ve seen kochia in action. In the spring and summer, this annual herb starts off with a fresh green look, resembling a fluffy green ball. As the seasons change, so does its colour—transforming into shades of red, orange and even pink.Desktop Version

Dec. 2, 2025Whistler, British Columbia

What"s your winter personality: cosy wanderer or slope-chaser? Whistler, in British Columbia, lets you try both in the same day. This resort municipality sits about 125 kilometres north of Vancouver in the Coast Mountains, with two main ski peaks: Whistler and Blackcomb. These are linked by the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, famous for giving a suspended, panoramic valley view in just a few minutes of travel. The area gained fame when it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, and some of those venues are still open to the public today. The name "Whistler" comes from the high-pitched call of the local hoary marmots that were once common around the slopes.Desktop Version

Feb. 3, 2025Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England

Part engineering genius, part daredevil stunt—that"s the Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire, England. This Victorian structure, also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, has been carrying trains and turning heads since the 1870s. Built by the Midland Railway, it"s the longest and third-tallest on the Settle–Carlisle railway line. Stretching 402 metres across the Ribble Valley, its 7.3 metre stone arches reach a height of 31.7 metres.Desktop Version

Jul. 29, 2024International Tiger Day

We"re off to a roaring start today: it"s International Tiger Day. Celebrated on July 29, this day was established in 2010 to protect tigers from threats such as poaching and habitat loss due to deforestation. At the end of the 19th century, there were thought to be around 100,000 tigers in the wild; these days, there are fewer than 6,000.Desktop Version

Jun. 6, 202581st anniversary of D-Day

Today, on the anniversary of D-Day, we reflect on one of the most defining moments in modern history. On June 6, 1944, over 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, launching Operation Overlord, also known as D-Day. This complex assault, involving coordinated air, sea and land forces, marked the beginning of the campaign to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control.Desktop Version

Nov. 11, 2025Quiver trees, Keetmanshoop, Namibia

Of all the plants on Earth, the quiver tree looks the most like a vision from the future. Found in Southern Africa, including parts of Namibia, these striking giants are not true trees but a species of aloe adapted to life under the desert"s scorching sun. Their thick trunks store water, while their branches reflect heat, helping them endure harsh conditions. Reaching up to 7 metres in height, with some living for more than 100 years, quiver trees are also vital to their ecosystem. They offer rare perches and nesting sites for birds in landscapes where few other trees exist.Desktop Version

Sep. 27, 2025Red maple

Ever wondered what gives those fiery red leaves their vibrant colour each fall? Meet the red maple, pictured here. This tree isn"t just a pretty face—its sap is a key ingredient in Canada"s famous maple syrup. Most syrup, however, comes from sugar maples, though black maples and red maples also contribute. Curious how? In spring, taps collect sap when nights are still freezing and days begin to warm. Boil it down, and what"s left is the sweet syrup you drizzle on pancakes. Canada produces more than 70% of global maple syrup, with Quebec leading production.Desktop Version

Mar. 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States

It"s not every day you see a desert burst into colours, but during a superbloom, the arid land is covered with endless stretches of flowers. This rare phenomenon happens in California and Arizona in the United States, when the rainy season awakens wildflower seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil.Desktop Version

May 14, 2025Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy

Most ports rely on docks and cranes that extend into the shoreline. Porto Flavia in the Sulcis-Iglesiente region, however, took a completely different approach. This engineering marvel transformed a cliff into a gateway for Sardinia"s ore industry. Mining in Sulcis-Iglesiente has a history dating back thousands of years, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the industrial boom in the 20th century. Lead, zinc, coal, sulphur, barium and silver were extracted from these rugged hills but transporting them was a logistical nightmare. Ore had to be hauled by cart, loaded onto small boats and then transferred to larger ships—a slow, costly and inefficient process.Desktop Version

Oct. 16, 2024Fossils of belemnites and ammonites, Jurassic Coast, UK

If you"re a fan of dinosaurs, trilobites, or fossilised shells, then exploring the rich fossil beds in our country is the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty. So, what"s the big deal about fossils? Well, from towering T. rexes to tiny ammonites, these ancient remains help scientists piece together the puzzle of our planet"s history. Yet, it"s not just Canada that holds the keys to this ancient library—the entire globe is dotted with such hidden chronicles.Desktop Version

Jul. 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States

Nestled in the northern Gulf Coast of Florida in the United States, is Rainbow Springs State Park. This area has served as a natural resource for humans and animals for centuries, with the crystal-clear Rainbow River—flowing through the park—playing a major role. The gently winding waterway is fed by Rainbow Springs, one of Florida"s largest springs. The water that bubbles up here comes from a 1,995-square-kilometre area and eventually flows into the Withlacoochee River.Desktop Version

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