The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. It is Earth"s southernmost continent and a pristine and forbidding wilderness, often referred to as the world"s last true frontier. From suspended clouds of ice crystals to a subglacial, iron oxide-rich lake that flows blood-red, this polar desert is full of natural wonders. Its massive ice sheet stores about 70% of the world"s fresh water. If it were to melt entirely, it could raise sea levels by over 200 feet, threatening low-lying regions worldwide. The infamous ozone layer hole is located above Antarctica, but thanks to global efforts, it is on track to close within the next 20 years.
Ross Sea, Antarctica
Today in History
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Sanctuary among the trees
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SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
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Napping near the North Pole
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Is it green with envy?
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Skyscrapers in Manhattan
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Füzér Castle in the Zemplén Mountains, Hungary
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Come on, guys, this way!
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Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
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European hedgehog
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Polar bear cubs
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We’ve made it to Halfway Day!
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The gateway to jungle
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Ride the wave
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The Big Apple with a foggy topping
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A plant for all occasions
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King of the jungle? Nope
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Red Fort, Delhi
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A train journey to remember
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Sperm whale pod surfacing
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Where two continents meet
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Babbling on and on
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One giant leap for mankind
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The bears of summer
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The envy of postcards and snowglobes
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Playa del Silencio, Spain
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Sharks, just living their lives
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Honouring the valiant heroes
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Trusty water-shifters
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An ugly duckling no more
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Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England