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Feb 29, 2024Leap Day

Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version

Jan 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubunden, Switzerland

Awe-struck by this white winter expanse? That"s exactly what visitors feel when they witness the Bernina Pass in the Alps, in the Graubünden region of Switzerland. It attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world and stands tall at an elevation of 2,328 metres. This pass may be home to ski areas now, but it was a vital trade route during the Middle Ages. Fun fact: The first evidence of skiing dates to around 6000 BCE in Russia. Boasting excellent snow conditions from November to March, the Bernina Pass is a must-visit spot on every skier"s bucket list!Desktop Version

Mar 8, 2024International Womens Day

Happy International Women"s Day! We celebrate IWD with London"s famous Tate Modern art gallery, lit up in purple. Why purple? The colour associated with IWD symbolises dignity, justice and dedication to the matter. This event celebrates women"s achievements in politics, culture and society. Every year on March 8, educational and cultural activities, demonstrations, campaigns and discussions highlight the importance of gender equality and women"s rights.Desktop Version

Jan 11, 2025Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco

An imperial city in northern central Morocco, Meknes is steeped in history. Meknes reflects the Moroccan style of architecture, with one of its most impressive landmarks being Heri es-Swani, seen in today"s image. Heri es-Swani was originally constructed as a stable and for storing vast amounts of grain to sustain the settlement and the Sultan"s armies. Its design was both practical and impressive—thick walls and an innovative cooling system helped maintain the food supply. Twenty-two rows of symmetrical arches divided the space into corridors that used to have vaulted ceilings. Back then, mules climbed onto the roof terrace to deliver grain, which was then dropped through specially designed holes in the ceiling below. The structure housed more than 12,000 horses. Today, it stands as an empty shell, acting as a scenic backdrop ready to be explored.Desktop Version

Look up, incoming…

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Dec 14, 2023Boreal owl

In North America"s coniferous forests lives a tiny bird of prey—the boreal owl. The small, brown, and white flecked raptor is shy and evasive around humans, keeping it well hidden from our view. Despite its compact size, it is a formidable hunter, feeding on small mammals, voles and birds. They have a preference for dense forest environments but are known for their adaptability and have been observed in various habitats, including mountainous regions. With dark plumage and expressive eyes, it strikes a captivating figure in the moonlit canopy, intriguing bird enthusiasts and researchers.Desktop Version

A castle full of history

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May 1, 2025Maharashtra Day

Maharashtra Day is a tribute to the rich heritage and remarkable journey of one of India"s most populous states. Celebrated on May 1, it marks the creation of Maharashtra in 1960, uniting Marathi-speaking people under one state. The day is filled with parades, speeches and events that honour the state"s legacy while embracing its modern achievements.Desktop Version

Dec 4, 2023Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

In the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where the African savanna stretches as far as the eye can see, cheetahs reign as the sprinting champions of the wildlife kingdom with measured speeds up to 128 kilometres per hour. Cheetahs, with their sleek bodies and black spots, thrive in this vast expanse, alertly watching for signs of prey. The reserve is known for its exceptional East African cheetah population. Sadly, habitat loss and human influence threatens their survival; hence, conservation efforts are crucial to protecting these incredible animals.Desktop Version

Mar 15, 2024Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, USA

The first day of spring may be just days away, but the season"s wildflowers at California"s largest state park—Anza-Borrego Desert State Park—are already here to say hello! Every spring, this barren desert floor undergoes a dramatic makeover. Flowers like heliotrope, brittlebush and desert dandelion burst into a riot of bloom, creating a spectacle of colour. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, this park has a lot to offer—from the mountains of the Peninsular Ranges and cactus-studded hills to slot canyons, badlands and natural palm oases. In addition, as a designated International Dark Sky Park, it is an exceptional spot for stargazing. Beyond its natural wonders, the park, spanning over 2,428 square kilometres, is also home to a rich cultural and historical legacy, such as ancient pictographs or rock paintings.Desktop Version

Look, but don’t touch

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A proud symbol of the City of Nizams

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Dec 25, 2023Christmas Day

Don"t be surprised if these caribous take flight! Ever since Clement Clarke Moore assigned reindeer to be Santa"s helpers in his 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," caribous—as they are called here in North America—have eagerly contributed to the Christmas celebration. It"s no wonder that Father Christmas would pick them. If you"re celebrating Christmas today, we wish you a merry one.Desktop Version

Purple mountain majesties

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Nov 12, 2024Vineyards 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

Jan 26, 2025Republic Day

Republic Day isn"t just any other occasion—it"s an emotion. Every year on this day, the country wakes up to patriotic anthems, flag hoistings and a sense of unity. In 1950, on this day, India adopted its Constitution, officially becoming a sovereign republic. The President of India delivers an address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day. On the day itself, he raises the national flag in New Delhi, while Governors and Lieutenant Governors perform flag-hoisting ceremonies in their respective states and union territories.Desktop Version

Dec 27, 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has "GoT" it all. Standing here proudly is the 463-metres-high Kirkjufell. The lofty hill is often referred to as "Church Mountain" due to its distinctive shape resembling a church steeple. You might recognise it from the "Game of Thrones" series where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. Because of its pyramid shape, colours that shift with the seasons and coastal location, this nunatak—a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier—is a frequent subject for photographers. If you"re lucky, and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell also offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.Desktop Version

Dec 7, 2023Verdon Gorge, France

Stretching nearly 100 kilometres, the Verdon Gorge is Europe"s largest canyon, with majestic cliffs climbing up to 750 metres in height. The emerald hue of the Verdon River"s waters, hidden far below this blanket of clouds, lends its name to this spectacular natural site, shaped by millions of years of erosion. Visitors or residents of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Hiking in the southeast of France can visit the canyon for rock climbing, kayaking, paragliding—the adventure options are endless. If you find yourself in Marseille or Nice, a day trip may be in order.Desktop Version

Oct 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania

For a taste of rural America, Mazezilla in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania is a must-visit fall experience that offers a perplexing challenge. Covering a vast 11-acre expanse, Mazezilla offers a fresh and distinctive maze design annually, making it a cherished attraction during the months of September and October.Desktop Version

Feb 4, 2024Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria

Step into the depths of Devetashka Cave and journey through time in one of Bulgaria"s many natural wonders. However, there is one condition for this adventure: you must not be afraid of bats! About 30,000 of these flying mammals call the cave home. The karst cave, which was formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks by water, is now part of a public park. The presence of humans in Devetashka Cave is thought to date back to the Early Stone Age, around 70,000 years BCE, and Neolithic artifacts from 6,000-4,000 BCE have been found here. Several large openings in the cave cast natural light into the chambers, offering better illumination for photographers and nature lovers alike.Desktop Version

Oct 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington

Washington State"s Enchantments region boasts more than 700 alpine lakes and ponds. Long before European settlers arrived, the Enchantments were home to Native American tribes such as the Yakima, Chinook, and Wenatchi. Waves of logging and mining in the 1900s transformed much of the landscape. Today, herds of mountain goats graze across the park, and ptarmigans roost in trees. The land undergoes transformation as the needles of the larch trees turn a shade of gold, casting a warm glow on the rocky terrain. Standing out in the Enchantments is Prusik Peak, a hidden gem among the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington"s Cascade Range, which serves as a symbol of both its domain and the Enchantments. It"s a wonderful site for experienced hikers and rock climbers, with a variety of climbs ranging from difficult to more common, attracting either skilled mountaineers or adventurers" intent on putting their skills to the test.Desktop Version

Nov 15, 2023Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden

From the beauty of Abisko to the rugged peaks of Sarek, Sweden is home to many national parks, each a wonder. Rapa Valley is nestled within Sarek National Park in Sweden, where rivers cut through lush meadows and towering peaks reach towards the sky. In this national park of northern Sweden, elk roam freely, golden eagles soar overhead and the elusive arctic fox leaves traces of its presence in the snow. The Sámi people have called this alpine region and parts of Norway, Finland and Russia home, since ancient times, and their cultural heritage is intertwined with the wilderness. They fish the coasts, and perhaps most famously, herd reindeer.Desktop Version

A pair of high achievers

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Jan 24, 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland

From fjords and lava fields to ice caves and black sand beaches, like the one we see in today"s image, Iceland is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diamond Beach is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the country. Located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, this unique beach gets its name from pieces of icebergs, broken off from glaciers, that wash ashore, resembling sparkling diamonds on the dark sand, which come from eroded volcanic rocks. The contrast between the clear ice and black sand creates a surreal sight, especially when sunlight hits the ice, making it a must-visit destination along Iceland"s south coast.Desktop Version

Revered ruins

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