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A dramatic celebration of peace
A dramatic celebration of peace
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Vineyards above the Moselle River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Vineyards 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
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." These words by former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan capture the essence of International Literacy Day, celebrated every September 8. Established by UNESCO in 1966, this observance not only celebrates those who can read but also highlights the ongoing battle against illiteracy. With approximately 775 million people worldwide still lacking basic literacy, this day resonates powerfully within the hallowed walls of the Stockholm Public Library in Sweden, or "Stadsbiblioteket" as it is known to locals, featured in today"s image.Desktop Version
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
Great wildebeest migration at Mara River, Kenya
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and no one takes that more literally than the wildebeests of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Every July, roughly 2 million of these determined grazers, along with zebras and other herbivores, set off on a journey to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of lush pastures and fresh water.Desktop Version
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
International Day for Biosphere Reserves
Today is the International Day for Biosphere Reserves. Biosphere reserves may sound like a scientific mouthful, but they"re essentially nature"s sweet spots—places where biodiversity, or variety of life on Earth, thrives. These areas, recognised by UNESCO, keep ecosystems healthy, protect endangered species and help regulate climate through forests, wetlands and other crucial habitats. There are 759 biosphere reserves across 136 countries. From the lush greenery of Sundarbans in India to the vast expanses of the Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve in Australia, each reserve is unique.Desktop Version
Blooming lupines in Newfoundland
Blooming lupines in Newfoundland
What makes a lupine so eye-catching? Start with the shape: tall spires packed with pea-like flowers, often in blues, purples, pinks and whites. Add finely divided leaves and a knack for improving soil by fixing nitrogen, and you"ve got a plant that"s both hardy and useful. Lupines thrive in cool climates, which explains why they spread so easily across parts of Atlantic Canada.Desktop Version
Winterlude begins
Winterlude begins
Winterlude starts today in Ottawa–Gatineau, and the forecast is simple: dress warmly and stay outside longer than planned. The festival began in 1979, when the National Capital Commission set out to make winter feel inviting rather than isolating—and that thinking still holds.Desktop Version
Sea Otter Awareness Week
Sea 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
European river otter
European 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
Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
Porto 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
Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
A tidal marvel and a slice of medieval life all rolled into one rocky outcrop—welcome to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, northern France. The story of this "Wonder of the West" goes back to the early 8th century, when Archangel Michael was said to have appeared to the bishop of Avranches in a vision. The divine message was clear: build a sanctuary on this rock. Taking this angelic advice seriously, the bishop laid the foundations of what would eventually become the abbey that dominates the island today. Over the centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site grew in size and reputation, attracting monks, pilgrims and invaders alike.Desktop Version
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
Bryce 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
A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
In the world of clever hunting, the black heron rules the roost. This bird thrives in shallow, open waters and at the edges of freshwater lakes and ponds. It"s also commonly spotted in marshes, rice fields, seasonally flooded grasslands and along riverbanks. At first glance, this feathered genius seems like any other wading bird, with its long legs, slender neck and pointed beak that aid in hunting. But when it hunts, this jet-black African species showcases an extraordinary skill—it takes the shape of an umbrella, as seen in today"s image. While fishing, the heron dips its head, extends its wings around its body and forms a shaded canopy.Desktop Version
Happy Halloween!
Happy 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
Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Kochia, 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
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Today, dig deep and unearth your inner Indiana Jones or Lara Croft on International Archaeology Day. Started in 2011, it occurs on the third Thursday in October, celebrating archaeology"s benefits for society today. Global events include exhibits and hands-on excavations, some of which run throughout the month, and many provinces and parks, historic landmarks and local museums also hold events.Desktop Version
Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
Mona Vale rockpool, Sydney, Australia
Ever wanted to swim in the ocean without accidentally tasting half of it? Enter Mona Vale rockpool in Sydney, Australia—a watery paradox where the ocean is wild beyond the walls and well-behaved within its calm, contained edges. Perched between two beaches—The Basin beach and Mona Vale Beach—this rock pool feels more like a natural wonder than a man-made one. Built in the 1930s during the Depression, it was carved out of a natural rock shelf as part of an unemployment relief scheme. Upgraded over time, the pool is more than 30 metres long and flanked by a smaller children"s pool. The pools were also used by large numbers of World War II troops who camped nearby. They are free, open year-round and cleaned regularly by both council crews and the ocean itself. So next time you are in Sydney, make a splash where the waves meet the wall. It"s a shore thing.Desktop Version
Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Take a stroll along almost any marina from Costa Rica to Alaska, and you"ll likely hear the playful barks of sea lions echo through the air. California sea lions, like the one pictured, are a common sight basking in the sun along the rocky shores of North America"s western coast. These marine mammals, belonging to the pinniped group, are often mistaken for seals. An easy way to distinguish between them is by looking at their ears—sea lions have visible flaps, seals don"t.Desktop Version
Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Royal 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
Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Ever seen the sturdy, swamp-loving and always stylish cypress? These trees can grow to over 25 metres and usually have a pyramid-like shape when they"re young. In today"s image, we"re transported to the George L. Smith State Park, which spans 6.61 square kilometres in Emanuel County, Georgia, United States. The park"s centrepiece, seen in today"s image, is a 1.67 square kilometre mill pond, a favourite spot for fishing and canoeing. Out of its waters grow pond cypress and bald cypress trees, two varieties that are native to the country. Winding through the park are over 11 kilometres of nature trails, leading visitors through sandy landscapes past a bird sanctuary and tortoise habitat.Desktop Version
Abraham Lake, Alberta
Abraham Lake, Alberta
The surface looks busy, but everything else is still. White bubbles stack under clear ice as if time stalled halfway through a reaction. Unusual? Yes. Mysterious? Only until you look closer. This is Abraham Lake, Alberta"s largest reservoir, which was created in 1972. It is located in the "Kootenay Plains area of the Canadian Rockies" front range," where winter captures gas in mid-escape.Desktop Version
Happy St. Patricks Day!
Happy St. Patricks Day!
St. Patrick"s Day, celebrated on March 17, honours Ireland"s patron saint and national apostle, Saint Patrick—a fifth-century missionary. A national holiday in Ireland, the festivity is marked by a range of cultural events, parades and traditional music and dance enjoyed across the globe. Interestingly, the first St. Patrick"s Day parade wasn"t held in Ireland but in the United States. The earliest celebration was organised by Irish vicar Ricardo Artur in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. Canada"s first St. Patrick"s Day parade was held in Montreal in 1824. Here, the festival dates to the 17th century, when Irish immigrants brought their traditions to cities like Montreal and Toronto. Today, major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and St. John"s hold large events featuring bagpipes, dancing and Guinness-fuelled festivities. Pubs fill up early, and landmarks glow green to mark the occasion.Desktop Version
Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
If fashion had a bird ambassador, the cock-of-the-rock would steal the spotlight. The males? They look like they"re wearing a bright orange-red costume, complete with a huge crest that almost covers their beak. With its bold colours, this native South American bird isn"t just about looks—it"s got the moves too.Desktop Version
Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland
In Iceland"s Skaftafell, autumn isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. From glaciers to waterfalls, like the one featured here today, to northern lights, this area in Vatnajökull National Park is a showcase of nature"s raw beauty. Skaftafell, once a thriving farm and now a preservation area, has been formed over thousands of years by the fierce interplay of volcanic fire and glacial water. Here, the glacier Skaftafellsjökull, a branch of Vatnajökull—the second largest ice cap in Europe—stretches out like a frozen river, inviting visitors for guided hikes. Then there"s Svartifoss, another waterfall in the park, fed by glacial meltwater.Desktop Version
Fossils of belemnites and ammonites, Jurassic Coast, UK
Fossils 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