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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

A different kind of toucan

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A blue-tiful island

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Aug 31, 2023Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona

Massive succulents against a mountainous backdrop, underneath the sun-kissed sky—it"s prickly perfection. Pictured here are saguaro (pronounced "sah-wah-roh") cacti at Arizona"s Ironwood Forest National Monument in the Sonoran Desert of North America. Even if you haven"t seen one in person, when you hear the word cactus, you"re probably thinking of saguaro—tall, green, cylindrical, with arms pointing upward. Though they are slow growers, these plants have been known to live over 200 years and reach enormous heights, with one setting the record at 23.8 metres. Another saguaro cactus, known as "Grandaddy," survived in the sweltering desert for about 300 years, eventually succumbing to old age in the early 1990s. Cacti may not be for everyone, but they tend to grow on you (figuratively, of course)!Desktop Version

The Coast of Death

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One giant leap for mankind

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Where the humpback whale sings

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Nov 7, 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania

Nestled within the pristine expanse of Biržai Regional Park in Lithuania, the Kirkilai Observation Tower stands as an example of allure and creativity in modern architecture. Rising nearly 32 metres above the lush landscapes, it offers an unrivalled vantage point to behold the beauty of the Kirkilai karst lakes. The natural wonder is formed by the dissolution of water-soluble rocks such as gypsum and limestone. Over time, the gradual erosion and collapse of caves in these rocks created depressions filled with crystal-clear water, resulting in these mesmerising and unique bodies of water. The interconnected lakes mirror the surrounding greenery, creating a scenic haven for nature enthusiasts.Desktop Version

Nov 25, 2023Toledo, Spain

Toledo, a city situated in the Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain, is known for its unique geography. Positioned on a raised mass of land, the city is embraced by the Tagus River on three sides. This splendid city was called "The City of Three Cultures" during the Middle Ages, where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities coexisted harmoniously. Toledo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, and its historical core is packed with mosques, synagogues and an impressive Gothic cathedral. The city has a strong Moorish cultural influence, left over from their arrival around the eighth century. The city was once home to the painter El Greco in the 16th century. He had an impact on Toledo, creating some of his most significant works, like the Assumption of the Virgin, which is considered one of his greatest masterpieces. Before the 16th century, Toledo"s sword-making industry was known as one of Europe"s finest.Desktop Version

Peek-a-boo, I see you!

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Oct 19, 2024Temple of Hathor, Dendera Temple Complex, Qena, Egypt

Let"s go on a journey to one of the most captivating spots in ancient Egypt—Dendera. Situated about 2.5 kilometres southeast of the modern-day town of Dendera, this temple complex is among the best preserved in the country. Once a thriving oasis along the Nile, it was home to thousands at its height, surrounded by a vast mudbrick wall that protected its sacred grounds. The Temple of Hathor, the crown jewel of Dendera, featured in today"s image, immediately draws visitors" eyes. Its construction started around 54 BCE, under Ptolemy XII, with the majestic hypostyle hall added later during the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius. This temple doesn"t have a grand colonnade or pylon gateway at its entrance. Instead, an unfinished stone wall surrounds an open courtyard with entrances leading to this massive hall. So, the complex you see today is truly a testament to centuries of history and evolution. Isn"t it amazing how much history one place can hold?Desktop Version

Jan 10, 2025Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada

Ever heard of frozen bubbles? Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada, has them during the winter, and they"re not just beautiful—they"re science in action. Created in 1972, Abraham Lake is a man-made reservoir that spans more than 50 square kilometres along the North Saskatchewan River. Thanks to glacier-fed waters from the Rocky Mountains, the lake stays transparent even in the coldest months. The glacial meltwater carries fine sediment that scatters sunlight, while natural filtration through rocks keeps pollutants to a minimum.Desktop Version

Aug 2, 2024Virgin Islands National Park, Saint John, United States

In 1956, businessman and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller saw the beauty of Saint John, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, and knew it had to be preserved. Covering about 60% of the island and 22.86 square kilometres of submerged lands, this park is a living example of preservation—thanks to Rockefeller, who donated over 20.23 square kilometres of his land to the US government.Desktop Version

Oct 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Sun, sand, and sea come together to create the stunning sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, made up of 74 isles, located about 55 kilometres off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Visitors come here to enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, camping and relaxing at exquisite resorts. It is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a national park, which ensures the protection of the islands, which were once home to the Ngaro people of Australia. This Aboriginal group is also known as the "Canoe People" due to their lifestyle that revolves around their marine environment. Today, the island"s primary visitors are travellers, divers, campers and adventure seekers. So, pack your sunscreen and explore the pristine white sand beaches on your next vacation to Australia!Desktop Version

Aug 26, 2024Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

Set sail for the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, pictured here. Created in 2001, this sanctuary is situated midway between the Hawaiian Islands and American Samoa. Spanning across a coral canvas, this refuge boasts a diverse ecosystem. Enveloped by an expansive barrier reef, you can explore three shallow lagoons and numerous islets. But wait, there"s more. The lush greenery here is a bustling neighbourhood that"s home to more than a million birds from 29 different species, like the masked booby, great frigatebird and sooty tern. It"s also one of the few places outside the Galápagos Islands where red-footed boobies are found. A wide variety of marine wildlife is in and around the atoll, including green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles and the mighty coconut crab, the world"s largest land invertebrate.Desktop Version

Aug 23, 2023Cenotaphs, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

India is set to join the ranks of the United States, China and the former Soviet Union as the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon. Leading this mission is the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with their Chandrayaan-3 project marking India"s third landing endeavor. Chandrayaan-2 was the first, and it faced disappointment in 2019 when its lander crashed during its descent. The primary goal of this mission is to explore water ice in craters at the lunar south pole and study the region"s cold traps that hold a record of our early Solar System. The outcome of the Chandrayaan-3 moon lander mission by the ISRO will play a critical role in establishing India"s involvement in lunar exploration and governance.Desktop Version

What waterborne wizardry is this?

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Dec 5, 2024Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States

Shaped by the slow passage of time, tufa—a type of porous limestone—emerges as one of nature"s most spectacular formations. While these towers can be found in many places, today"s image showcases them at Mono Lake in Mono County, California, United States. These structures develop when calcium-rich fresh water, flowing into the lake from several creeks and streams, mixes with the lake"s alkaline water. Over centuries, this interaction caused calcium carbonate to build up, forming tufa spires above the lake"s surface. To preserve the tufa towers, the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve was established in 1981 by the California State Legislature.Desktop Version

Feb 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China

What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This masterpiece of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534/535 CE), the grottoes contain 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is over 15 metres tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. Caves 16–20, known as the "Tanyao Five Caves," were the first to be carved at Yungang, overseen by the monk Tanyao. While you"re there, be sure to explore Cave 20"s seated Buddha idol in a meditation posture, with a standing attendant Buddha on one side.Desktop Version

Preserving Alaskas natural beauty

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