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Summer solstice
Summer 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 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
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day
The world"s slowest mammal takes the spotlight today on International Sloth Day. Celebrated on October 20, this day invites us to learn more about their lives, including the threats they face, like shrinking habitat, and conservation efforts. There are six living sloth species, divided into two types: three-toed sloths and two-toed sloths.Desktop Version
Siblings Day
Siblings Day
April 10 rolls around, and suddenly, childhood rivalries, inside jokes and borrowed clothes come flooding back. Siblings Day is here—a day to appreciate the ones who stole your toys, tattled on you and yet somehow remain your biggest supporters. Siblings Day has gained recognition across several countries. The idea came from Claudia Evart, who established the day in memory of her late siblings. In India, the bond between siblings is celebrated each year through Raksha Bandhan, a tradition where sisters tie a rakhi—a sacred thread—around their brother"s wrist. This heartfelt gesture symbolises love, protection and the deep connection shared between siblings.Desktop Version
Pinnacles National Park, California, United States
Pinnacles National Park, California, United States
Jagged pinnacles and spires, monoliths and unusual caves—welcome to Pinnacles National Park in central California, United States. It all began in 1908 when President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a national monument. Later in 2013, Pinnacles earned its status as a national park. This land owes its formations to an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred 23 million years ago. The fiery beginnings made towering spires, cliffs and talus caves—created by falling boulders wedged into narrow canyons. Over millennia, tectonic forces shifted the landmass northward, leaving the park far from its volcanic birthplace. Talk about a journey!Desktop Version
Finnish Independence Day
Finnish Independence Day
Happy Independence Day, Finland! On this day in 1917, the Nordic nation declared its independence from Russia. Finland had been a grand duchy of the Russian Empire since 1809, and it was part of the Swedish Empire for the previous 600 years. However, during the Russian revolutions of 1917, Finnish nationalists saw their chance to establish an independent nation. After several months of negotiations, Finland declared independence on December 6.Desktop Version
Coral Reef Awareness Week
Coral Reef Awareness Week
Blooming pillar corals, green sea turtles and colourful reef fishes—welcome to the thriving underwater universe of coral reefs. Running from July 15 to 21, Coral Reef Awareness Week is the perfect time to honour them. Coral reefs are formed by tiny marine organisms called coral polyps, which create vast colonies that serve as homes to a diverse array of marine species. As we turn our attention to their beauty and benefits, it"s vital to recognise the lurking threats–climate change, pollution and harmful human activities.Desktop Version
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA
Point 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
Maha Navami
Maha Navami
Maha Navami, the ninth day of Sharad Navratri, is an observance grounded in devotion, myth and tradition. It recalls the final day of Goddess Durga"s battle with Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, before her ultimate victory on Vijaya Dashami. The day is seen as the culmination of Navratri devotion, symbolising the victory of righteousness over evil and preparing devotees to begin anew.Desktop Version
St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan, USA
St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, Michigan, USA
Amid dusky hues, lighthouses mark where Lake Michigan meets the St. Joseph River. In the 19th century, two piers were built on Lake Michigan, one on either side of the mouth of the St. Joseph River to help protect ships sailing upstream. In the early 20th century, a lighthouse was built at the end of each pier. These were the St. Joseph North Pier Inner and Outer Lights, pictured here. Lighthouses at the end of the piers were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Lighthouses not only mark coastlines, hazards and safe entries to harbours, but they"re beautiful and rugged icons that have represented stability for centuries, and they"ll continue doing so as long as humans travel the seas.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
Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra and its crown jewel, Ad-Deir, or "The Monastery," feel like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure. Tucked in the heart of Jordan"s arid desert landscapes, this ancient city once thrived as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 2nd century BCE. It was also a hub of the spice trade, connecting distant regions like China, Egypt, Greece and India. The city was abandoned for around 500 years before being rediscovered in 1812, earning it the "Lost City" moniker.Desktop Version
Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, United States
Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, United States
If you"re chasing sunsets and jaw-dropping views, come to Alstrom Point. Located in southern Utah"s Kane County, this spot in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stands at an impressive height of over 1,400 metres. Made mostly of Entrada Sandstone, it has the same geological roots as nearby sites like Romana Mesa, its parent peak, and Gunsight Butte, another sandstone summit to the east. Part of the Lake Powell region, Alstrom Point extends southward into the vast waters of the lake, in between Padre Bay and Warm Creek Bay. When the lake is full, Alstrom Point towers nearly 300 metres above the water, offering views of the surrounding canyons. Lake Powell, spanning across Utah and Arizona, attracts around 3 million visitors every year.Desktop Version
North American beaver, Moran, Wyoming, United States
North American beaver, Moran, Wyoming, United States
Beavers are remarkable creatures known for their dam-building skills, which create wetlands, benefiting numerous species. As North America"s largest rodents, they can grow not more than 1 metre long, not including their distinctive flat tails. Their continuously growing teeth, with thick enamel giving them an orange hue, are essential tools for gnawing on trees—a behaviour that maintains both their dental health and their environment. No wonder their strong choppers make them one of nature"s best engineers. So, take a moment to appreciate these incredible ecosystem engineers and their hardworking, tree-chomping ways. Who knew a furry little architect could have such a big impact on nature?Desktop Version
Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece
Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece
Perched on a rocky headland is Methoni Castle, a symbol of medieval might situated on the shores of the Ionian Sea in southern Greece. The fortress is in Methoni, a village in the Messinia region. Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century, this castle was a key trading post and a defensive bastion, protecting the southwestern coastline from invaders. Its Bourtzi tower, an extension of the fortress standing on a small islet, was once connected to the main castle by a stone bridge.Desktop Version
What the heck is a distaff?
What the heck is a distaff?
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‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
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Butterfly Beach in Canacona, South Goa
Butterfly Beach in Canacona, South Goa
Only 6 kilometres north of Palolem Beach in South Goa"s Canacona region, Butterfly Beach is a secluded cove where turquoise waters meet soft white sand. What truly sets this beach apart is its unique butterfly shape. While this distinctive form draws many curious tourists, it is the tranquil, uncrowded shoreline that has quietly made it one of South Goa"s most cherished destinations. It is also said that, now and then, butterflies can be spotted fluttering among the surrounding plants and trees. Dolphins are also known to make playful appearances just off the shore. Unlike busier beaches like Anjuna and Calangute, this peaceful cove offers a more intimate encounter. The beach is also renowned for its vibrant marine life; at low tide, colourful crabs and starfish appear along the shore. Adding to its charm, the lush green forests that embrace the cove create a stunning natural backdrop, making every visit a picture-perfect experience.Desktop Version
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year"s Day! Humans have celebrated the new year since at least 2000 BCE, but various cultures have chosen different days coinciding with equinoxes or lunar cycles. The Romans established January 1 as the beginning of the year in 153 BCE, but this fell out of favour throughout Europe during the medieval era. Since 1582 and the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, however, much of the world now celebrates the new year today. In addition to watching fireworks, drinking champagne and making resolutions in the wee hours of the morning, other global traditions include making noise, eating lucky foods and giving gifts.Desktop Version
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile
Wildlife roams freely in one of Chile"s most stunning protected areas, where towering peaks and ancient glaciers shape the land. Established in 1959, Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia turns 66 years old today and covers over 1,800 square kilometres. Originally called Grey Lake National Tourism Park, it was renamed in 1970 and later designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978. Its most recognisable feature—the three massive granite peaks known as the Torres—stands over 2,400 metres tall. These formations took shape through magma intrusion and uplift, followed by millions of years of glacial erosion, leaving behind the jagged spires seen today.Desktop Version
Stretching to the sky
Stretching to the sky
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Ides of March
Ides of March
As Shakespeare wrote in his play "Julius Caesar," "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears." Today is the Ides of March, a day steeped in Roman history and tradition. The term "Ides" referred to the midpoint of the month in the Roman calendar, often marking the full moon. It was a time of celebration, with festivals and public gatherings. However, in 44 BCE, the Ides of March became synonymous with political upheaval, betrayal and an event that would trigger the fall of the Roman Republic. On that fateful day, Julius Caesar, Rome"s powerful dictator, was assassinated by a group of senators. The conspirators, including his close ally Brutus, believed they were saving the Republic from Caesar"s growing authority. Caesar was attacked near the Theatre of Pompey, but the tension of that moment echoed through the Roman Forum—the beating heart of Rome"s political and social life.Desktop Version
Blue-throated toucanet, Los Quetzales National Park, Costa Rica
Blue-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
Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset, Iceland
Seljalandsfoss waterfall at sunset, Iceland
Featured here, Seljalandsfoss, located along Iceland"s South Coast, offers a stunning backdrop for this astronomical event. A 60-metre waterfall drops from cliffs that once marked the country"s coastline. The cascading water is part of the Seljalandsa River, originating from the volcanic glacier Eyjafjallajökull. The volcano under the icecap last erupted in 2010, causing disruption for locals and air traffic. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a small cave, offering a unique perspective and making it a favourite spot for photographers. Floodlights illuminate the waterfall at night, creating a magical scene.Desktop Version
Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
Let the Great Backyard Bird Count begin!
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World Population Day
World Population Day
In 1987, the world population reached the five-billion mark, a milestone so significant that it spawned an international observance: Five Billion Day. Back then, the United Nations recognised the need to address the burgeoning issues tied to our global footprint. Thus, World Population Day was established in 1989. Today, it"s not just a day—it"s a call to action. Overpopulation stretches our planet"s resources thin, urging us to confront urgent matters like family planning, an increase in waste and pollution or a lack of infrastructure. While metropolitan areas struggle with overcrowding, smaller places face the problem of decreasing population, leading to an imbalance. One such example is the Italian town of Gangi, Sicily, seen in today"s image. This village had about 16,000 residents in the 1950s, but today, it is home to a little more than 6,000. Keen on revitalisation, Gangi attracts attention by gifting abandoned houses to those committed to their restoration.Desktop Version