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Amethyst laccaria mushrooms, Seabeck, Washington, United States
Amethyst laccaria mushrooms, Seabeck, Washington, United States
Far more than pizza toppings or sautéed sides, mushrooms are ecological powerhouses, essential for healthy forests. They break down dead matter, recycle nutrients and support tree growth through underground networks called mycorrhizae. Some also help store carbon in the soil, playing a role in climate regulation.Desktop Version
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
They"ve got long beards, red hats and a knack for stealing a tad bit of Santa"s thunder every Christmas. Meet the gnome—known as "tomte" in Sweden and "nisse" in Norway—whose traditions vary across regions. Rooted in Scandinavian folklore, these tiny guardians watch over homes and farms, keeping families safe through long, dark winters. But there"s a catch: treat them kindly or they may play tricks. A warm bowl of porridge on Christmas Eve is their favourite reward. Said to bring luck and laughter, they might even befriend your garden gnomes, since they often resemble them.Desktop Version
Winter solstice
Winter solstice
Ever felt as if the night just wouldn"t end? That"s the winter solstice working its magic. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, occurring around December 21 or 22. In the Southern Hemisphere, the same happens around June 21 or 22. It marks the moment when one of Earth"s poles tilts farthest from the sun. From that instant, daylight slowly begins to lengthen again.Desktop Version
Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica
Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica
Spot a flash of yellow on its chest and a bill that looks painted by an artist—that"s the keel-billed toucan. A member of the Ramphastidae family, which includes toucan barbets, it is one of more than 40 toucan species. Found from southern Mexico to northern Colombia, it spends much of its day plucking fruit with a rainbow-coloured bill about one-third of its total length. It also eats insects, eggs and small reptiles when available. The bill not only helps it eat but also keeps the toucan cool by radiating excess heat—thanks to the blood vessels running through it. This social bird often moves in small groups, chattering and gliding between treetops. With each wing measuring around 17–20 centimetres, the keel-billed toucan moults, or sheds its feathers, just once a year.Desktop Version
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
Our picture of the day takes us to the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, where the Staubbach Falls shimmers in the distance beyond a quiet alpine valley. This is the landscape a young traveller, J.R.R. Tolkien, crossed during a hiking trip in 1911, long before he became the storyteller behind "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Its soaring cliffs, silver waterfalls and crisp mountain air left a lasting impression and are believed to have inspired his vision of Rivendell, the elven refuge hidden deep in Middle-earth.Desktop Version
Apples ready for harvest, Minnesota, United States
Apples ready for harvest, Minnesota, United States
In Minnesota, United States, autumn carries more than crimson leaves—it brings the crisp promise of apple season. From mid-August through late October, orchards across the state open their rows of Honeycrisp, Haralson and dozens of other cultivars, each bred for flavour, resilience and charm. Today"s image captures that moment: branches heavy with ripe fruit, ready for harvest. This land takes its apples seriously. The state apple, the Honeycrisp, now a world favourite, was born in the orchards of the University of Minnesota, where scientists have cultivated apples for over a century.Desktop Version
Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
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, the largest reservoir in Alberta, Canada. It is located in the Kootenay Plains area of the Canadian Rockies" front range, where winter captures gas in mid-escape.Desktop Version
Interstellar clouds in the Lagoon Nebula
Interstellar clouds in the Lagoon Nebula
The universe hums with creation. Featured here, in the Lagoon Nebula, a cluster called NGC 6530 is kindling newborn stars, a glowing reminder that beginnings are woven into the fabric of the cosmos. About 4,350 light-years away and a few million years old, it is a stellar formation still in its earliest chapter. It"s the kind of sight that once drew astronomer Carl Sagan"s attention—a glimpse into how the universe continues to build itself, star by star.Desktop Version
Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt
The Temple of Philae, often called the Temple of Isis, is one of Egypt"s most enchanting ancient sites. Originally built on Philae Island, it was moved to nearby Agilkia Island to save it from flooding. The international rescue effort, launched by UNESCO in the 1960s, required a monumental effort that involved moving more than 40,000 stones. Today, it"s a peaceful spot surrounded by the Nile—perfect for a scenic boat ride and a journey into the past.Desktop Version
Wheatear, Peak District National Park, England
Wheatear, Peak District National Park, England
You don"t need to be a bird expert to notice the wheatear darting across open ground. These ground-dwelling songbirds belong to the Oenanthe genus and are known for their upright posture and habit of hopping or sprinting between perches. Despite the name, wheatears have nothing to do with wheat or ears—the name is a twist on the old phrase "white arse," pointing to the bird"s distinctive white rump found in most species. Globally, there are around 20 species of wheatears, but in North America, the northern wheatear is the one you"re most likely to encounter.Desktop Version
Barracudas at Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Barracudas at Shark Reef, Ras Mohammed National Park, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Being surrounded by a shimmering spiral of silver—that"s what it feels like to encounter a school of blackfin barracuda at Shark Reef in Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt. These streamlined fish, marked by sharp V-shaped stripes, move in near-perfect unison. Their slow, deliberate spirals aren"t random—they"re an evolutionary strategy that offers both safety in numbers and an edge in hunting. Blackfin barracudas are found throughout tropical waters, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific. During the day, they gather in tight, coordinated groups near the reef, scattering at dusk to pursue prey.Desktop Version
Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, USA-Canada border
Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, USA-Canada border
When you hear "Thousand Islands," you might think of a jar of salad dressing, but behind that creamy condiment is one of North America"s most enchanting regions. The Thousand Islands is an archipelago in the St. Lawrence River, spanning the state of New York in the United States and the province of Ontario in Canada. It is made up of more than 1,800 islands. Some of these islands have fairytale castles; others are barely big enough for a hammock. There"s also Just Room Enough Island, which lives up to its name with a single house and a lone tree.Desktop Version
Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Mists curl, waters glimmer and legends linger—welcome to Glen Brittle. On the Isle of Skye, Scotland"s fabled "Misty Isle", the glen stretches in a sweep of purple heather carpeting its rugged slopes. The landscape hums with echoes of the past: dinosaurs left footprints on these cliffs long before Mesolithic hunters traced its streams over 8,000 years ago. In the 9th century, seafaring Norse Vikings settled here. Centuries later, the powerful MacLeod and MacDonald clans claimed these lands, their castles standing guard over countless battles and alliances.Desktop Version
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Do you feel as if you have a whole year"s worth of rest to catch up on? Then you can relate to this Arctic fox, cosily tucked among the rocky outcroppings of the frozen tundra. Whether the new year greets you with biting cold or under a warm sun, take five extra minutes to stretch before diving into the 365 days ahead.Desktop Version
Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
Corona Arch near Moab, Utah, United States
Just outside Arches National Park in Utah, United States, lies a natural wonder that rises like a colossal doorway against the sky, drawing photographers, nature lovers and hikers. Welcome to Corona Arch, seen in today"s image, a towering Navajo sandstone formation that offers big adventure without the big crowds. The Corona Arch Trail starts off easy but packs a punch of scenery: railroad tracks, slickrock scrambles and even a metal cable assist make it more than just a walk in the desert.Desktop Version
Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
The clue isn"t the tracks in the snow—it"s the frosted faces peeking out like they"ve just discovered winter. Estonia is one of Europe"s best places to spot Eurasian otters, thanks to its clean rivers, wide wetlands and snack-filled coastline. This protected species was named Estonia"s Animal of the Year in 2024. While globally considered near threatened, their population here has grown substantially, reaching an estimated 2,000 in recent years, up from a historic low of just 300 before the turn of the millennium.Desktop Version
Gdańsk on the banks of the Motława river, Poland
Gdańsk on the banks of the Motława river, Poland
Where cobbled charm meets coastal cool, Gdańsk is a dynamic city in Poland"s Pomorskie province. It is part of Tricity—a metropolitan area along the Gdańsk Bay that includes the neighbouring coastal cities of Sopot and Gdynia, along with nearby towns. The city likely takes its name from "Gdania," an earlier name for the Motława river that runs through it.Desktop Version
Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Seeing Venice from above is mesmerising, but this Italian gem"s true magic lies within its walls and waterways. Founded in the 5th century on a cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the early settlement rose from marshland to become a maritime powerhouse. By the Middle Ages, it had evolved into a major hub for trade between Europe and the East, fuelling immense wealth and cultural growth. The city"s grandeur shines through its Gothic palaces, Renaissance art and landmarks such as St Mark"s Basilica, the Doge"s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.Desktop Version
Great white egret, Hungary
Great white egret, Hungary
Meet the great egret, also known as the great white egret. Found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and parts of Europe, these birds are often seen wading through wetlands, tidal flats and quiet streams. Patient and precise, they stand motionless for minutes, waiting for just the right moment to deliver a lightning-fast strike. Fish are their main prey, but they also eat frogs, reptiles and even small mammals. In the late 1800s, the great egret"s beautiful plumes became a must-have in women"s fashion across North America, driving their population down by an estimated 95%. The killing might have continued if not for two Boston socialites, Harriet Hemenway and Minna Hall, who led a boycott of the feather trade. Their activism helped launch the National Audubon Society.Desktop Version
Leopard at Etosha National Park, Namibia
Leopard at Etosha National Park, Namibia
If you"ve ever watched a wildlife documentary, you know the moment: the camera pans across a quiet savannah and suddenly a leopard appears as if it has been there all along. That quiet reveal says everything about how these cats operate. They move with precision, slipping through grass and branches without making a sound. Their build, muscular but lean, helps them climb, sprint and hide in plain sight. Their rosetted coats? No two patterns match, each serving as natural camouflage from sunrise to moonlight.Desktop Version
Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska, United States
Scotts Bluff National Monument, Nebraska, United States
Long before GPS, natural landmarks like Scotts Bluff in Nebraska, United States, rose high above the prairie, signalling to travellers that they were on the right path heading west. Before Gering became a town in 1887 and decades before Nebraska achieved statehood in 1867, these sandstone and siltstone formations were already guiding thousands along the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails. Scotts Bluff National Monument is named after Hiram Scott, a fur trader with the Rocky Mountain Fur Company who died under mysterious circumstances nearby in the 1820s.Desktop Version
A female Eurasian red squirrel, Switzerland
A female Eurasian red squirrel, Switzerland
Quick, clever and always on the move—meet the Eurasian red squirrel, a leafy treetop resident found across much of Europe and Asia. While it prefers the shelter of forests, this agile creature easily adapts to gardens and parks. It builds its nest, called a drey, high in the fork of a tree using twigs to form a domed structure about 25 to 30 centimetres wide. The female featured here is gathering moss—one of several soft materials, along with bark, leaves and grass, that line the nest and turn it into a snug, well-insulated retreat. These rodents may also take over tree hollows or abandoned woodpecker holes when available.Desktop Version
Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Ever wondered what it"s like to live on a movie set? Oia is about as close as it gets, part of Greece"s Santorini archipelago. This village has appeared in films like "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants" and "Tomb Raider," thanks to its Cycladic houses—cube-shaped homes with flat roofs—and cliffside views that feel almost unreal. Its unique architecture has roots in the late 19th century. Sailors and merchants carved houses right into the volcanic cliffs—cool in summer and warm in winter. The white-and-blue theme is also more than just for show: houses were painted with lime wash so rainwater would run off and be collected. Today, visitors wander its cobbled lanes, explore the Naval Maritime Museum or climb to the ruins of Agios Nikolaos Castle for unforgettable sunsets.Desktop Version
Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
What do invisible gases, vintage hairspray and satellites have in common? They all played a role in one of the greatest environmental comebacks in history. Seen from over 350 kilometres above, the Gulf Coast glows like a constellation—clusters of light scattered across the dark. But what truly makes this view possible can"t be seen: the ozone layer, silently shielding everything below from the sun"s ultraviolet rays. By the 1980s, that shield was thinning fast—damaged by chemicals once used in refrigeration and aerosol products. The solution? A global pact. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, led to a swift phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. Today, satellites show that the hole over Antarctica is shrinking. Scientists believe it could be fully healed by mid-century.Desktop Version
Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England
Who could resist that squishy face? A Eurasian red squirrel perches on a snowy pine branch, paws clutching a pine cone like it"s the last snack on Earth. These little acrobats stay busy collecting nuts, seeds and fungi—feasting on fresh finds in summer and on stored cones through winter.Desktop Version