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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

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

Sep 26, 2024Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica

Tucked away in the highlands of Costa Rica, Los Quetzales National Park offers a kaleidoscope of lush habitats, including one that"s home to the blue-throated toucanet. Measuring 27–38 centimetres in length, these non-migratory birds use their dexterous toes to navigate branches, while their distinctive bills deftly forage for fruits, insects and small lizards.Desktop Version

Sep 25, 2024Giant sequoias, Sequoia National Park, California, USA

Today"s image features the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park in California, . Named after the trees that dominate the landscape, the park spans more than 1629 square kilometres and is home to wildlife such as black bears, mule deer and over 200 species of birds, including warblers, vireos and flycatchers. The giant sequoia trees here have been rooted for more than 2,200 years and are among Earth"s oldest living organisms. The park"s renowned General Sherman tree rises to an astonishing 83 metres. Named after the American Civil War general William Tecumseh Sherman, it"s not only tall but is also more than 10 metres wide. Visitors flock to capture moments among these ancient giants, whose reddish-brown, fibrous bark and wide-reaching branches evoke a sense of living history.Desktop Version

Sep 24, 2024Skaftafell, 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

Sep 23, 2024Sea otter in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA

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 13–45 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. By 1911, it is thought that only around 2,000 were left. Thankfully, an international hunting ban, conservation efforts and reintroduction programs have helped them rebound, and they are now found in about two-thirds of their historic habitat. Despite this success, some populations are still struggling, and sea otters are still an endangered species.Desktop Version

Sep 22, 2024Bada Bagh complex in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

In the middle of the desert, there"s a garden that"s anything but ordinary—Bada Bagh, visible in the distance in today"s image. It is about six kilometres north of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and is home to an impressive collection of royal chhatri cenotaphs, built by the Maharajas of Jaisalmer State from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Meticulously carved from yellow sandstone blocks, these cenotaphs showcase the elegance of Rajasthani architecture, combining elements of Hindu and Islamic styles. Embellished with exquisite paintings, sculptures and inscriptions, these were built in four distinct sizes, each reflecting the royal hierarchy.Desktop Version

Sep 21, 2024Munich, Germany

Step into Munich, Bavaria, Germany, pictured here, for a celebration like no other, Oktoberfest. The culture of Bavaria is distinct from the rest of Germany, especially in rural areas where traditions, religion and language play a significant role. They take great pride in their heritage, which is reflected in the traditional attire known as tracht—lederhosen for men and dirndls for women—worn during special occasions. Known for their egalitarian and informal nature, Bavarians are famously sociable, a trait that"s on full display during the annual Oktoberfest, the world"s largest beer festival, attracting about six million visitors each year. This sociability is also evident in Bavaria"s iconic beer gardens, where patrons are welcome to bring their own food while enjoying beer exclusively from the hosting brewery.Desktop Version

Sep 20, 2024Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA

Welcome to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, United States. This is a place where history and nature intertwine. This secluded island, reachable only by ferry or small plane, offers 25 kilometres of untouched beaches and a wealth of stories. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, seen in today"s image, stands out as a notable landmark. The lighthouse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It boasts an 8,000-candlepower light, which can be seen up to 22 kilometres offshore.Desktop Version

Sep 19, 2024Obereversand Lighthouse, Dorum, Germany

Today"s image features playground at the Obereversand Lighthouse in Dorum-Neufeld, Germany. This lighthouse is a black, four-sided lattice tower featuring two galleries and a round lantern. Constructed between 1886 and 1887 by AG Weser for the Bremen Buoy and Beacon Office, it was part of an intergovernmental project involving the states of Bremen, Oldenburg and Prussia. Originally equipped with a Fresnel belt lamp and a 500 millimetres catadioptric reflector, it used a three-wick kerosene lamp to cast light over 19 nautical kilometres. By 1905, the lighthouse was upgraded with a more powerful kerosene lamp.Desktop Version

Sep 18, 2024Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

In Japan"s Gifu Prefecture, Gujō Hachiman Castle stands majestically on Hachiman Mountain. Originally constructed in 1559, this castle has witnessed centuries of Japanese history, including the rise and fall of powerful clans. It was torn down during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration—the period that marked the return of imperial power in the country— but was rebuilt in 1933. The castle seen in today"s image is a unique wooden reconstruction, a rarity among Japan"s often concrete-rebuilt castles. This five-story structure, which includes a museum, offers a glimpse into feudal Japan while providing stunning views of the valley below. In addition to the castle, the city of Gujō is also famous for hosting the Gujō Odori, one of Japan"s oldest dance festivals. Held annually from mid-July to early September, the festival sees locals and tourists alike dancing through the night in the castle town, preserving a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.Desktop Version

Sep 17, 2024Mid-Autumn Festival

For many Asian cultures, the point at which the moon reaches its fullest during the harvest season marks the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. It"s traditionally observed on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Dating back more than 3,000 years to China"s Shang Dynasty, this festival celebrates moon watching and the end of the harvest season. During the festivities, mooncakes—round delicacies filled with sweet bean paste, salted egg yolks or lotus seeds—are often shared among friends and family. Lanterns of different shapes, sizes and hues, symbolising good fortune, illuminate the night. Asian communities across the world come together to showcase a mélange of cultural performances, heartfelt renditions of the Moon Festival"s poetic tales.Desktop Version

Sep 16, 2024Wallabies at sunrise, Australia

Amid the hues of dawn, captured in today"s image, two wallabies stand alert in a field near the Adelaide River in Australia. These marsupials, smaller cousins of the kangaroo, are native to Australia and New Guinea. Wallabies have around 30 different species, including brush wallabies, rock-wallabies, hare-wallabies, nail-tail wallabies and swamp wallabies. These agile and sprightly mammals are herbivores, nibbling on grasses, leaves and fruits. With a height of 30 to 105 centimetres, wallabies have strong hind legs that help them take impressive leaps and serve as a defence against predators. During mating season, male wallabies engage in boxing bouts to show dominance to grab females" attention. Social creatures, wallabies form small groups called "mobs," which provide safety and mutual grooming. Their playgrounds are forests that echo with the thudding of their hops as they navigate their home range with ease.Desktop Version

Sep 15, 2024Annas hummingbird, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Let"s meet Anna"s hummingbird, seen in today"s image. Named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, it"s one of an estimated 366 hummingbird species, and is the most common species on North America"s western coast. With its shimmering emerald feathers and sparkling rose-pink throat, this little bird is a sight to behold. Hummingbirds are known for their incredible speed; they can flap their wings up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in place and even fly backward. Emily Dickinson aptly describes their swift movement: "A Route of Evanescence / With a revolving Wheel—." Their high metabolism requires them to eat constantly, so they spend their days flitting from flower to flower, sipping nectar and catching insects.Desktop Version

Sep 14, 2024Rapa Nui National Park, Easter Island, Chile

Welcome to Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, Chile—one of the world"s most remote and enchanting paradises. Famous for its iconic moai statues, this stunning island is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Experts are divided on the timeline of the Polynesians" arrival, though many researchers suggest that it occurred around the 8th century. Take in the mesmerising sunrise featured in today"s image and explore the striking volcanic craters and lush, grassy plains where the imposing statues stand. The World Heritage property of Easter Island spans more than 68 square kilometres, including four nearby islets.Desktop Version

Sep 13, 2024Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA

Welcome to Point Reyes National Seashore, where the sky meets the earth. This stunning 287 square kilometres coastal haven on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County, United States, pictured in today"s images, is a gem of the Californian coastline, boasting breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Filled with scenic trails that wind through lush forests and along rugged cliffs, Point Reyes has much to offer its visitors.Desktop Version

Sep 12, 2024World Dolphin Day

Grab your flippers—it"s World Dolphin Day. Today, people across the world celebrate, raise awareness and promote the conservation of these aquatic mammals. Dolphins are highly intelligent and can be found all over the world in oceans, rivers and estuaries. Despite being able to exist in an array of environments and water temperatures, dolphins are threatened by a variety of human activities, such as hunting, pollution and fishing. Hunting led to the creation of World Dolphin Day in 2022 by Sea Shepherd Global, an international marine conservation group.Desktop Version

Sep 11, 2024Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi

Today"s image features Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi, a tribute to yogi Swaminarayan (1781-1830), along with the avatars, deities and sages of Hinduism. This remarkable site is celebrated for its enduring essence of devotion, purity and tranquillity. Architecturally, the complex is designed according to ancient and medieval Indian architectural texts, known as the shilpa shastras. It boasts several notable attractions, including an abhishek mandap and the Sahaj Anand water show. It also has a theme garden and three immersive exhibitions: Sahajanand Darshan, which highlights core principles; Neelkanth Darshan, a film depicting Swaminarayan"s early years and Sanskruti Darshan, a cultural boat.Desktop Version

Sep 10, 2024Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal

Today"s image features the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal, which looks like a sleek line cutting through Lisbon"s skyline. Up close, it is a cable-stayed bridge with viaducts, stretching across the Tagus River in Parque das Nações, a civil parish in Lisbon. The second longest bridge in Europe, it also holds the title of being the longest in the European Union. Built to ease the traffic jam on Lisbon"s 25 de Abril Bridge and make travel smoother between the north and south of Portugal, the construction of the Vasco da Gama Bridge began in February 1995. It is earthquake-resistant, designed to absorb shifting during a quake. Since its deck is not fixed to the pylons, it can move both lengthwise and sideways. Inaugurated on March 29, 1998, the bridge"s opening was perfectly timed for Expo 98, the World"s Fair celebrating the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama"s historic sea route discovery from Europe to India.Desktop Version

Sep 9, 2024Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil

Want to witness falls so grand that they make Niagara look modest? Let"s explore Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world. The name "Iguazu" comes from words in the regional languages Guarani or Tupi, which mean "big water." These series of waterfalls are formed by the Iguazu River, on the border between Argentina"s Misiones province and Brazil"s Paraná state. They feature a striking staircase formation, with a two-step cascade created by three layers of basalt.Desktop Version

Sep 8, 2024International 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

Sep 7, 2024Ganesh Chaturthi

Get ready to dance and paint the town red; it"s Ganesh Chaturthi. The festival honours Ganesha, revered as the Hindu deity of fresh starts and the dispeller of challenges, along with being the embodiment of wisdom and intellect. Celebrated across the Indian subcontinent, it brings together people in a joyous observance. The exact origins of the festival are not clear, but it has been a prominent public celebration in Pune since the time of King Shivaji, who ruled from 1630 to 1680. Later freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar popularised it in Maharashtra in 1893. This move aimed to foster a "Hindu nationalist identity" and resist British colonial rule.Desktop Version

Sep 6, 2024Glenariff Forest Park, Northern Ireland, UK

Ever wondered what it"s like to stroll through a storybook? Welcome to Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This park spans nearly 12 square kilometres of woodland, waterfalls and wonder, and it boasts several walking trails, each offering its own unique perspective of the landscape. The most popular is the Waterfall Walkway, a nearly 5-kilometre trail that passes through a National Nature Reserve and features the Ess-na-Crub and Ess-na-Larach waterfalls. Glenariff is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including red squirrels, pine martens and badgers. Birdwatchers will be delighted by willow warblers, chiffchaffs and kingfishers. The flora is just as impressive, with trees such as the ancient beech, pictured here, oak, birch and rowan creating a lush canopy. So, whenever you choose to visit, Glenariff is sure to leave you feeling "re-leafed" and rejuvenated.Desktop Version

Sep 5, 20242024 Toronto International Film Festival

Cinema aficionados, assemble. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) gears up to dazzle with its 49th edition in Toronto, Canada, the city seen in today"s image. Since its establishment in 1976, the TIFF has become one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world. The event draws a diverse tapestry of attendees, from seasoned directors to rising stars and eager cinephiles. The festival has seen the premieres of critically acclaimed films over the years, including "The Fabelmans" and "Black Swan." Filmmaker Reema Kagti"s "Superboys of Malegaon," starring Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh and Shashank Arora, is set to make its world debut at this festival. Lights, camera, action—another chapter of the Toronto International Film Festival is underway!Desktop Version

Sep 4, 2024Dusky eagle-owls, Pakistan

As daylight fades, dusky eagle-owls, the silent hunters seen in today"s image, emerge from their nests. Not only are they a marvel with a wingspan of approximately 38–43 centimetres, but their striking yellow eyes and sharp hearing make them efficient hunters. Growing up to 61 centimetres, eagle-owls can be seen hunting by day under overcast skies. They often claim abandoned nests as their own. With breeding season spanning December to January, the eagle-owls nurture their offspring in the secure embrace of lofty trees or cliff faces. Nature lovers and bird watchers are captivated by their solemn gaze and elegant stature.Desktop Version

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