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Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Yi Peng lantern festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
As twilight descends today, Chiang Mai, Thailand"s second-largest city, will come alive with thousands of glowing lanterns for Yi Peng. Held on the full moon of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar—a calendar that dates back to the medieval Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand—this celebration signifies the removal of negativity and the embrace of new beginnings. The highlight of the festival is the release of "khom loi" or "khom loy"—floating paper lanterns—into the night sky, creating a beautiful sight as the heavens fill with a sea of warm, golden lights. Locals and visitors gather around temples and palaces to send their wishes skyward, hoping for good fortune in the year to come. In addition to the lantern release, the city is adorned with vibrant parades, traditional dance performances and stunning decorations.Desktop Version
Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Known for its pastel houses cascading down to the Mediterranean Sea, Manarola, seen in today"s image, looks like a place straight out of a fairytale. Perched on the rugged cliffs of Italy"s Ligurian coast, it"s one of the five villages that make up Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name "Manarola" might have evolved from the Latin "Magna rota," which became "Magna roea" in the local dialect. It means "large wheel," a nod to the village"s historical mill wheel. Believed to be the oldest village in the Cinque Terre, dating to 1338, Manarola"s history is rooted in fishing and winemaking.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
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
The Badische Weinstraße is a picturesque route that stretches over 500 kilometers along the Black Forest, guiding you through some of Germany"s wine-growing regions. In today"s image, we find ourselves in Varnhalt, a charming wine village that is part of Baden-Baden. One of the region"s highlights is the Nägelsförsterhof winery, which has been in operation since 1588. This vineyard is well-known for producing Riesling wines, renowned for their exceptional quality.Desktop Version
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Featured in today"s image is a winter wonderland in Alberta, Canada. Banff National Park is the perfect place for those seeking a refreshing escape. Established in 1885, it became the first national park in the country following the discovery of hot springs near Sulphur Mountain. Over time, Banff"s boundaries expanded, and it became part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 6,600 square kilometres, this national park transforms into a snowy playground during the winter, attracting visitors eager to for skiing, snowshoeing, curling, skijoring and wildlife tours that offer plenty to explore. Despite the cold, life thrives in the park: it"s home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, grizzly bears, mountain goats and wolves. Lodgepole pines and spruces also stand resilient against the harsh weather. Banff"s flora and fauna are closely monitored, ensuring that this balance remains intact.Desktop Version
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Featured in today"s image is a winter wonderland in Alberta, Canada. Banff National Park is the perfect place for those seeking a refreshing escape. Established in 1885, it became the first national park in the country following the discovery of hot springs near Sulphur Mountain. Over time, Banff"s boundaries expanded, and it became part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 6,600 square kilometres, this national park transforms into a snowy playground during the winter, attracting visitors eager to for skiing, snowshoeing, curling, skijoring and wildlife tours that offer plenty to explore. Despite the cold, life thrives in the park: it"s home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, grizzly bears, mountain goats and wolves. Lodgepole pines and spruces also stand resilient against the harsh weather. Banff"s flora and fauna are closely monitored, ensuring that this balance remains intact.Desktop Version
Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Ever seen a group of flamingos take to the skies? If you have, they may have been Caribbean flamingos, also known as American flamingos, as seen in Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, in today"s image. Flamingos are referred to as a flamboyance when in a group, but they can also be called a stand, colony or pat. The Caribbean flamingo is the largest species in the Americas and the only one native to North America. These vibrant birds are typically found around brackish and saltwater areas, like marshes, estuaries and along coastlines. Because of their pink colour, they"re often confused with roseate spoonbills. However, their long necks and bent bills distinguish them from other wading birds like the great blue heron and wood stork.Desktop Version
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
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. Perched on a hillside by the Ounila River, this village is a cluster of buildings encircled by a protective wall, complete with towers and a gate.Desktop Version
Glacial rivers, Iceland
Glacial 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
Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada
Amidst the mist-covered cedars and Sitka spruces of Canada"s Great Bear Rainforest, the Vancouver Coastal Sea wolf roams free. These canines, seen in British Columbia in today"s image, thrive in this ecosystem, which stretches from the north of Vancouver Island to the Alaskan border. This unique subspecies of the grey wolf is specific to the region and leads a semi-aquatic lifestyle, swimming between islands in search of food. Their diet primarily consists of fish, clams, mussels, crabs, otters and seals. This marine-based diet is a major difference with other wolf species, which feed almost exclusively on meat. These animals live in closely bonded groups, communicating with each other through growls, barks and whines, so they"re often heard before they are seen.Desktop Version
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, United States
Olympic National Park, established in 1938, offers an escape into unspoiled wilderness. It covers nearly 3,700 square kilometres on Washington"s Olympic Peninsula. With a labyrinth of ecosystems that range from glacier-capped mountains to temperate rainforests, the park is a home for wildlife as well as a retreat for thrill-seekers and history buffs. Within it lies Shi Shi Beach, a serene stretch where the Pacific laps against sea stacks and sandy shores, as seen in today"s image. Recognised as an International Biosphere Reserve, this national park features over 900 kilometres of trails, where hikers can embark on a trek along the coast to see the beach"s sea arch at Point of the Arches, an outcrop that has over 30 sea stacks, columns of rock rising from the beach.Desktop Version
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Step into the world of intricate artistry at the sacred site of Ranakpur Jain temple, Rajasthan. Also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, because of the four faces temple design, this stunning Śvētāmbara Jain temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, also known as Ādinātha. This architectural marvel was commissioned by Darna Shah, a local Jain businessman, in the 15th century after he experienced a divine vision. The temple is crafted in the form of the Nalini-Gulma Vimana—a heavenly vehicle that he envisioned in his dreams. Built in the Māru-Gurjara architectural style, the temple houses a garbhagriha, the innermost sanctuary, where the main Chaumukha Adinatha idol is enshrined.Desktop Version
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Step into the world of intricate artistry at the sacred site of Ranakpur Jain temple, Rajasthan. Also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, because of the four faces temple design, this stunning Śvētāmbara Jain temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, also known as Ādinātha. This architectural marvel was commissioned by Darna Shah, a local Jain businessman, in the 15th century after he experienced a divine vision. The temple is crafted in the form of the Nalini-Gulma Vimana—a heavenly vehicle that he envisioned in his dreams. Built in the Māru-Gurjara architectural style, the temple houses a garbhagriha, the innermost sanctuary, where the main Chaumukha Adinatha idol is enshrined.Desktop Version
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
A place where poetry, history and nature blend—welcome to Grasmere in England"s Lake District. This village was once the cherished residence of the celebrated poet William Wordsworth, who described it as "the loveliest spot that man hath found." Here, visitors are greeted by old cottages and homes built from local bluish-green slate. Dove Cottage, Wordsworth"s humble abode from 1799 to 1808, and the adjacent museum offer a dive into the poet"s life. His later residence, Rydal Mount, continues the story just a short journey away. The heart of the village is St. Oswald"s Church, which dates to the 13th century. This landmark is Wordsworth"s final resting place. Not far from the church, the aroma of the renowned Grasmere Gingerbread, made from a secret recipe, will set visitors" mouths watering. The village"s annual Grasmere Sports, which began in 1868, is an event that showcases traditional Lakeland activities like fell running, wrestling and hound trailing.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
American bison
American bison
Once upon a time, in the boundless grasslands of North America, there roamed creatures of great strength and majesty—the American bison. These animals were a key part of life for many Native American tribes, providing food, clothing and tools. Their population dwindled perilously low in the late 1800s, falling from as many as 60 million to fewer than 1,000 due to excessive hunting and disease. Enter a group of conservationists, ranchers and Native Americans who stepped in to save the species. Now, over 500,000 bison roam again, many in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States, featured in today"s image. From the buffalo nickel to state flags, they are a deeply embedded symbol in American culture. Bison are North America"s largest mammals, and they have been introduced as far away as Russia. While the bison has made a heroic recovery, the story isn"t over. These animals still face challenges, including habitat loss and hunting.Desktop Version
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
Let"s explore the breathtaking beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park! Located in the northeastern region of Maranhão, Brazil, this park is a conservation unit that covers an impressive area of more than 1,550 square kilometres. Created to protect the region"s flora, fauna and natural beauty, the park is a true ecological treasure, part of the coastal marine and cerrado biomes. Here, unique ecosystems such as mangroves, sandbanks and dunes are shaped by strong winds and regular rainfall.Desktop Version
Happy Diwali!
Happy Diwali!
Homes sparkle with decorations, and the night sky bursts with colour as Diwali celebrations begin. Also known as "Deepavali," the name translates to "rows (avali) of lights (deepa)" in Sanskrit, capturing the essence of this festival. Widely celebrated across various religions and regions, each has its own origin story. Regardless of the countless narratives and reasons behind the festivities, the central theme remains the triumph of good over evil. For many, Diwali is a homage to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, who is thought to be guided into the homes of devotees by the glow of lights and lamps. The day isn"t just about lights and legends—it"s also a time for enjoying moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts and sweets, indulging in delicious feasts and dressing up in new outfits. Observed worldwide, its largest celebrations outside of India occur in Leicester, United Kingdom.Desktop Version
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Positioned high on an extinct volcano, these fortress walls have seen wars, royal births, executions and plenty of other drama since the 11th century. But what really sets it apart is its reputation as one of Scotland"s most haunted spots. It"s no surprise that with more than 1,000 years of history, some have reported ghost sightings.Desktop Version
Great horned owl
Great horned owl
The Halloween season is upon us, so let"s meet one of the holiday"s icons: the great horned owl. With its keen vision, eerie vocalisations and silent flight, this owl has historically been revered and feared. In folklore and mythology, owls were considered symbols of wisdom and omens of death. On Samhain, the Celtic precursor to Halloween, the owl was believed to be the kin of roaming spirits.Desktop Version
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Today"s image shows a pumpkin field in Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Five species of pumpkins are commonly cultivated: Cucurbita moschata (pumpkin), Cucurbita pepo (summer squash), Cucurbita maxima (winter squash), Cucurbita mixta (also known as Cucurbita angyrosperma, a type of winter squash) and Cucurbita ficifolia (Malabar gourd or fig-leaf gourd). In general, "pumpkins" refer to the mature edible fruits of all five Cucurbita species, which are typically not baked.Desktop Version
Polar Bear Week
Polar Bear Week
Polar Bear Week champions one of nature"s greatest hunters, the Arctic"s majestic predator. Established by Polar Bears International, this period highlights the challenges these mammals face due to climate change, particularly the rapid loss of Arctic Sea ice. This event coincides with the gathering of polar bears in Churchill, Canada—the "Polar Bear Capital of the World"—as seen in today"s image. Here, bears wait for Hudson Bay to freeze so they can start hunting for seals, their primary food source.Desktop Version
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany
In the coastal region of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in Germany lies the Gespensterwald, which means "Ghost Forest," seen in today"s image. This spine-tingling forest covers about 1.8 square kilometres, with its gnarled beech, hornbeam, ash and oak trees twisting toward the sky. The salty sea air from the Baltic Sea and the moist climate contribute to the trees" distorted shapes, giving rise to the forest"s haunted moniker. Visitors experience light-hearted brushes with the supernatural, such as the crunch of dead leaves, a friendly spirit waving hello from afar or a mischievous ghost peeking from behind a tree. The strategic lighting, which casts ghostly shadows, along with the sculptures and decorations placed along the path, are elements that enhance the forest"s ghostly aura throughout the year.Desktop Version
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Golden Temple, Amritsar
Glistening like a jewel under the sun, the Golden Temple is not just a place of worship—it"s an experience for the soul. A gurudwara in Amritsar, Punjab, it is also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Sri Harmandir Sahib. The site"s journey began in 1577, when Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, completed the man-made pool surrounding the temple. Fast forward to 1604, and it was the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, who placed the sacred Adi Granth within the temple, shaping its spiritual significance. Despite facing destruction multiple times at the hands of Mughal and Afghan invaders, the Sikhs showed resilience, rebuilding the temple each time.Desktop Version
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
In the ghostly silence of Bodie in California, United States, it feels like time stands still. This once-booming gold rush town was established in 1860. Bodie was named after W.S. Bodey, a prospector who discovered gold but tragically died in a blizzard before seeing the town"s rise. When large deposits of gold were found there, it grew to nearly 10,000 residents, with saloons, dance halls and breweries lining its streets. But as the gold ran dry, so did the town"s fortunes. The mines closed, the population dwindled and by 1915, the place was abandoned. Bodie"s streets are now empty, its wooden buildings frozen in decay.Desktop Version