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Jun. 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Gather "round, explorers, as we tiptoe into the Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Meaning "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, Registan was the centre of activity during the Timurid Empire. The square embodied the essence of the Timurid Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, which spread throughout the Muslim world between the 14th and early 16th century CE.Desktop Version

Jun. 14, 2024Peggys Point Lighthouse

Perched on a rugged granite outcropping, Peggys Point Lighthouse is a stoic guardian of Nova Scotia"s coast. Built in 1914, the 15-metre-tall lighthouse embodies the enduring spirit of maritime Canada. Its beacon was first turned on in 1915. The current lighthouse replaced a wooden structure made in 1868 that was damaged by Hurricane Edna in 1954. The ground floor of the building served as a post office during the summer months until 2009, when Canada Post shut down the service, citing mould growth as a hazard. The lighthouse, now automated, attracts visitors eager to glimpse into Canada"s seafaring past and feel the ocean"s spray.Desktop Version

Jun. 15, 2024International Surfing Day

Planning on hitting the waves for International Surfing Day! This event is about celebrating surfing while also drawing attention to the importance of protecting ocean environments to keep their waters pristine for wildlife and surfers alike. Surfing has a long history; around 5,000 years ago in Peru, people used reed watercraft to surf the waves when they were out fishing. It was in pre-colonial Hawaii, however, that modern surfing was born. Here, people started to stand on their boards and to surf for fun.Desktop Version

Jun. 16, 2024Happy Fathers Day!

Today"s all about the dads. Father"s Day is the perfect time to celebrate everything they do for us, how they look after us, help us grow up and tell the best dad jokes. There are also great dads in the animal kingdom, like the foxy father seen in today"s image. Female red foxes need to stay in their dens with their young after giving birth, so males spend their time going out to bring her food. When the pups are a little older, their father takes time to play with them, teaching them survival skills they"ll need in later life, like hunting and scavenging. The foxes seen here are melanistic, a condition in animals that results in darker colouring.Desktop Version

Jun. 17, 2024Pollinator Week

Let"s celebrate the small heroes who help plants flourish! It"s Pollinator Week, celebrating the creatures which transport pollen to help plants reproduce. While some plants are self-pollinating, or pollinated by wind or water, the majority of them are fertilised with the help of bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, birds—like the green-crowned brilliant hummingbird in today"s image—and even bats. The non-profit organisation Pollinator Partnership initiated Pollinator Week to raise awareness about the protection of these creatures. This celebration is now being joined by other programs and educational events around the country. Should we care? Absolutely! From fruits and veggies to nuts, chocolate or sugarcane, there are plenty of ingredients in our diet that are brought to us by pollinators.Desktop Version

Jun. 18, 2024Lupine fields, Snæfellsnes, Iceland

As spring gives way to summer in Iceland, the rugged landscape puts on a colourful parade. Lupines were introduced to Iceland in the 1940s for soil erosion control due to their roots" soil-binding properties. The plant flourishes in sandy and salty soils and propagates rapidly, painting the countryside with hues of purple, pink and blue. Although some consider lupine to be an invasive species that threatens native plants, its arrival is welcomed by locals and tourists as a cherished characteristic of the summer landscape. You can find lupine fields in various regions, including Reykjavík and near the Skógafoss waterfall. These flowers also line the road leading to the Hellissandur Church in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Jun. 19, 2024Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

Giraffes have fascinated travellers from around the world for a long time. These animals were viewed as symbols of status and treasured as pets among royalty. Featured here are reticulated giraffes, found mostly in the Kenyan wild at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, where they roam with poise under the vast African sky. Established in 1995, this sanctuary has become a haven for these gentle giants, distinguished by their vividly tessellated coats, and polygonal-shaped spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. Unfortunately, only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of the approximately 36,000 recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, recent years have observed a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let"s pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.Desktop Version

Jun. 20, 2024Summer solstice

It"s that time of year again—the daylight stretches long into the evening hours! This phenomenon, known as the summer solstice, occurs when one of the Earth"s poles is most inclined toward the sun. Today"s image features the Kokino megalithic observatory, which is part of the Kokino archaeological site in North Macedonia. It is believed that the Kokino observatory marked the position of the sun during summer and winter solstices, as well as the equinox, and consists of two platforms. A stone block on the upper platform of the observatory indicates the summer solstice sunrise direction when seen from a seat on the lower platform. So, when in North Macedonia, don"t miss out on experiencing this ancient astronomical wonder!Desktop Version

Jun. 21, 2024National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day is observed on June 21 to honour the rich cultures, languages and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. It was established in 1996 to highlight Indigenous peoples" resilience, creativity and their imprints on the country"s multicultural tapestry. On this day, communities come together to celebrate through music, dance, art and traditions.Desktop Version

Jun. 22, 2024World Rainforest Day

Fresh air, lush foliage, rustling leaves and calls of thousands of species of animals and birds—welcome to the Amazon rainforest. Today, on World Rainforest Day, let"s give a shout-out to this region. Covering over 5,500,000 square kilometres, this ecological treasure in South America extends its branches across nine nations—Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela.Desktop Version

Jun. 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cultural opulence, bustling economy and spirited locals—welcome to Dhaka in Bangladesh! This megacity on the Ganges Delta, home to over 10.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Once known as Jahangirnagar after ruling emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was the provincial capital of the Mughal Empire for 75 years in total. Dhaka has been nicknamed "City of Mosques" because of the hundreds of elegant minarets that dot the city.Desktop Version

Jun. 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

You might have seen lakes with some unique colours before, but the Indonesian island of Flores, with its volcano Kelimutu, may steal the show. Home to three lakes, each with its own hue and folklore, this natural wonder attracts travellers seeking an otherworldly experience. Volcanic vents deep within the Earth release steam and gas, which alter the lakes" mineral compositions, causing reactions that transform their appearance periodically.Desktop Version

Jun. 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Amid the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, USA lies the natural grandeur of the Valley of Fire State Park. This park, which stretches across 19,000 hectares, is named after the fiery red Aztec Sandstone, an Early Jurassic geological formation made up of ancient sand dunes. The park"s highlight, Fire Wave, is a geological marvel that appears like a frozen wave with its red, pink and white stripes.Desktop Version

Jun. 26, 2024Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone

Dive deep beneath the waves surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and meet the Banggai cardinalfish. Cardinalfish can grow up to 8 centimetres and have tiny shimmery bodies with black vertical stripes and white-edged fins, which help them disguise. Unlike some finned creatures that migrate long distances, these pint-sized fish inhabit a small world, rarely straying far from their local reefs.Desktop Version

Jun. 27, 2024Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio. Filippo Brunelleschi, an Italian architect and designer, engineered its dome, which is the largest brick dome ever constructed. It was built without the support of traditional wooden frameworks; its completion in 1436 was the final stage of the cathedral"s construction.Desktop Version

Jun. 28, 2024Stonewall uprising anniversary

Fifty-five years ago today, a movement was born. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, New York City Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. At the time, homosexuality was illegal, and raids against LGBTQIA+ establishments were common. However, on that night, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, fed up with the continued harassment, decided to stand their ground. Violence escalated, leading to clashes between protesters and police. In the following days, there was more rioting as people gathered to protest the raids.Desktop Version

Jun. 29, 2024Tour de France 2024

It"s time to get pedalling. The Tour de France, the world"s most famous bike race, is starting today. Beginning in Florence, Italy, the 2024 Tour will cover a total distance of 3497.3 kilometres. This year"s course will be a little different from the other races in the Tour"s history. The final finish line has always been in Paris; however, because the French capital will be busy getting ready for this year"s Olympic Games, the race will end in Nice on France"s Mediterranean coast.Desktop Version

Jun. 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version

Jul. 1, 2024Canada Day

As the sky darkens on Canada Day, a sense of anticipation fills the air over the country. Behind the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, crowds start to gather. Eyes lift toward the sky, waiting for the annual firework show, like the one in today"s image, that celebrates the birth of a nation. July 1 commemorates the passing of the British North America Act, 1867, which joined together three British colonies, the Union of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, under the self-governing country of Canada. The anniversary of the Confederation was called Dominion Day until 1982, when Canada became fully independent of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the celebration was officially renamed Canada Day.Desktop Version

Jul. 2, 2024Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain

It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.Desktop Version

Jul. 3, 2024World Meerkat Day

Everybody say, "Hakuna Matata." It is World Meerkat Day, a celebration of these adorable creatures known for their instantly recognisable upright position. But don"t be fooled by their names; meerkats are not cats. They"re small carnivores of the mongoose family, native to the deserts and grasslands of southwestern Africa. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in tight-knit groups called mobs, which can consist of up to 30 individuals. These groups are a cooperative effort, with meerkats foraging together, grooming each other, babysitting and taking turns as sentinels to watch for predators. These critters create extensive burrows where they spend the night and retreat to escape the midday heat–meerkats love their afternoon siesta.Desktop Version

Jul. 4, 2024Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Perched on the rugged coastline of Esquimalt Harbour, the Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site is a specimen of maritime history. Built on Fisgard Island in 1860, it was the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada. The 15-metre bricked tower guided mariners through the treacherous Strait of Juan de Fuca. Operated by generations of dedicated keepers, it became automated in 1929 after which its light beamed in a "one second on/one second off" pattern also known as isophase light. Visitors today can explore the keeper"s house-turned-museum to uncover tales of shipwrecks and the intrepid lightkeepers who kept the flame alight, ensuring the safe passage of seafarers. The Fisgard Lighthouse continues to illuminate the past, captivating those who come to uncover its storied legacy.Desktop Version

Jul. 5, 2024Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia

Welcome to a land where greenery meets the endless blue! Situated on the North Queensland coast of Australia is Noah Beach, a sanctuary encircled by the dense foliage of the Daintree Rainforest. Bordered by the waters of the Coral Sea, this beach is a fascinating blend of two distinct ecosystems—the rainforest seamlessly meeting the azure waters of the sea. This secluded area of the Daintree National Park boasts a stretch of soft, golden sands.Desktop Version

Jul. 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam

Amidst the rolling hills of Vietnam"s Yên Bái province, the rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải district are a mosaic of agricultural excellence. The Hmong people, an ethnic minority known for their rich culture and vibrant attire, have meticulously carved these cascading hills for generations. The Hmong migrated to northern Vietnam in the 19th century from China. They were skilled in shifting cultivation—an agricultural system in which lands are cultivated temporarily and then returned to their natural vegetation—of crops including millets, rice, corn and barley.Desktop Version

Jul. 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild

Indulge in the sweet, tangy flavours of this beloved fruit! Blueberries have been around for over 13,000 years in the wild. However, they weren"t commercially farmed until the early 20th century, when Elizabeth Coleman White, an agricultural specialist, and Frederick Coville, a botanist, collaboratively bred the first domesticated variety in New Jersey.Desktop Version

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