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Alfanzina lighthouse, Algarve, Portugal
Alfanzina lighthouse, Algarve, Portugal
The lighthouse featured in today"s image stands in Carvoeiro in the Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal. Built in 1919, the Alfanzina lighthouse shines out over the ocean to help ships navigate the dangerous waters that surround the area. A popular tourist destination, the lighthouse also became a symbol of the region"s deep links to the sea. Lighthouses have been keeping sailors safe almost as long as humans have been sailing the seas. Originally, lighthouses were powered by fires and oil lamps, requiring lighthouse keepers to maintain them. These days, however, most lighthouses have been automated and installed with electric light sources. In waters that are too deep or otherwise unsuitable to build a lighthouse, lightships have often been used. If you"re lucky enough to live near a lighthouse, this weekend is the perfect time to pay it a visit.Desktop Version
International Museum Day
International Museum Day
This International Museum Day, let"s immerse ourselves in Raoul Dufy"s 600-square-metre fresco. The "La Fée Electricité" (The Spirit of Electricity) is housed at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. This stunning artwork was created for the Pavilion of Light and Electricity at the 1937 International Exhibition of Art and Technology in Modern Life. Raoul Dufy"s work vividly depicts the evolution of electricity through two main themes: the history of electricity and its applications. International Museum Day, celebrated annually on May 18, aims to raise awareness about the importance of museums in cultural exchange, enrichment and mutual understanding. Since its inception in 1977, the event has grown to include over 37,000 museums across 158 countries.Desktop Version
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which gets its name from the way it appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today"s image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar—a kind of fortified village—in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. Perched on a hillside by the Ounila River, this village is a cluster of buildings encircled by a protective wall, complete with towers and a gate.Desktop Version
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
California"s Joshua Tree National Park, located where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, has been home to various cultures for thousands of years. Its earliest known residents were people from the Pinto culture, who lived here from 8000 to 4000 BCE. Centuries later, this land was inhabited by the native Cahuilla, Serrano and Chemehuevi peoples. The park"s namesake, the Joshua tree, grows in a landscape covering 3,216 square kilometres. Despite their name, they are not really trees but rather a kind of succulent. Native to the southwest US and northern Mexico, they can grow up to 12 metres tall. Whether it"s hiking through Hidden Valley, visiting the Cholla Cactus Garden or marvelling at Skull Rock, this national park has a lot to offer. By night, it becomes a stargazer"s paradise, as seen in today"s image. Whether you seek adventure or a moment of tranquillity, Joshua Tree awaits with open skies.Desktop Version
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
‘The hills have a power to soothe and heal...’
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Boxing Day
Boxing Day
As the last notes of Christmas carols linger in the air, Boxing Day arrives. This day is celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada and several Commonwealth countries. In the past, it was customary for the wealthy to give boxes filled with gifts to their servants on the day after Christmas. The tradition evolved into a day for charitable giving to the less fortunate. Today, while the spirit of giving remains, it has transformed into a holiday enjoying bustling sales and a lineup of soccer matches. However, December 26th in India is marked by a more somber remembrance—the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which is why the disaster is often referred to as the "Boxing Day Tsunami."Desktop Version
International Day of Light
International Day of Light
Today is the International Day of Light! Held on May 16, the day marks the anniversary of invention of the laser by the American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pioneering creation epitomises how innovation can revolutionise society, impacting fields from communications to healthcare. The scope of the celebration extends beyond lasers, embracing light"s presence in every aspect of human existence, from art and culture to science and technology.Desktop Version
What the heck is a distaff?
What the heck is a distaff?
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Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu 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
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy
Perched on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera, Vernazza is a village in Cinque Terre, northwestern Italy. Here, ancient buildings stand along the coastline of the Ligurian Sea, and life is filled with the hustle and bustle of fishermen. Vernazza got its name from the indigenous wine, "vernaccia," meaning "local" or "ours." One of the best-known monuments in the area is Doria Castle, built in the 15th century as a defensive fortress to protect the village from frequent pirate attacks. Thanks to the construction of the Genoa–La Spezia rail line in the 19th century, the village became more accessible by land. The cobblestone streets and absence of cars make it ideal for walking around. While here, you might want to visit the Chapel of Santa Marta and the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio. Did you know that this region inspired the 2021 animated film "Luca"? Vernazza is not just a place to visit; it"s a piece of paradise reserved for those who seek the soul of Italy in its purest form.Desktop Version
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
Huntington Beach Pier, California, USA
In today"s image, we see the sun beginning to disappear below the pier at Huntington Beach, California. First built in 1902, Huntington Beach Pier was damaged by a storm, leading it to be rebuilt just nine years later. During the Second World War, a submarine lookout post was installed on the pier to help with the war effort. These days, it"s a popular tourist spot, with visitors heading there to fish and to watch surfers ride the waves out in the Pacific Ocean.Desktop Version
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Some places greet you gently. Spiti Valley starts by taking your breath away—literally. Sitting above 3,000 metres in Himachal Pradesh near the Tibetan border, this cold desert largely skips rain and goes straight to extremes.Desktop Version
Rolands Breach, Spain
Rolands Breach, Spain
High up in the Pyrenees, there is a gap in the mountains. More than 90 metres tall and 39 metres wide, Roland"s Breach, featured here today, is a sight to behold. But who was Roland? Count Roland was a Frankish military leader during Charlemagne"s reign in the 8th century. Legend has it that, after being defeated in battle, Roland cut a gap in the mountains—either to destroy his sword or to catch one last glimpse of France.Desktop Version
An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia
Imagine soaring through the skies in an ultralight aircraft, the wind rushing past as you take in the picturesque views. Below, the world"s oldest desert, the Namib, stretches endlessly, shaped by winds over 55 million years. This is Namibia—a surreal landscape of towering dunes, dry riverbeds and shifting sands. Unlike traditional aircraft, ultralights offer an unmatched sense of freedom. Also known as microlights, these small planes are designed for low-altitude, slow-speed flying. Their weight and speed limits vary by country; in India, they should weigh under 450 kilograms without parachute.Desktop Version
International Day of the Tropics
International Day of the Tropics
Every June 29, the International Day of the Tropics shines a light on the equator-hugging zone where the sun sticks around, and climate conversations get real. The tropics span a broad region between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, including parts of Asia, Africa, Oceania, Central America and South America. Nearly 40% of the global population lives in this band, which also hosts 80% of the world"s biodiversity. It"s rich in culture, nature and history—but also under pressure from rising temperatures, deforestation and fast-paced urban growth.Desktop Version
World Lizard Day
World Lizard Day
From mythology to modern media, lizards have often been portrayed as scary reptiles. As it turns out, they"re not as dangerous as stories might lead you to believe. Today, World Lizard Day, is the perfect time to learn about these cold-blooded creatures. With more than 7,000 species, these animals have adapted to a wide range of environments—from deserts to rainforests. Take the gecko, for example. These little climbers have specialised toe pads that let them scale walls and even walk on ceilings. Then there"s the chameleon, known for its colour-changing skin. While many think it"s all about blending in, chameleons also change colour to communicate and regulate their temperature.Desktop Version
The natural ice wall of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
The natural ice wall of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
Behold, the magic of the Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu, Japan! This breathtaking natural ice wall, over 25 metres wide and more than 10 metres tall, is formed by spring water freezing as it trickles down a rock face. The attraction, called "Misotsuchi no Tsurara," is only open from mid-January through mid-February, and includes coloured lights after dark, creating a scene that feels straight out of a winter fairy tale.Desktop Version
Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Dive deep beneath the waves surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia and meet the Banggai cardinalfish. Cardinalfish can grow over 7 centimetres and have tiny shimmery bodies with black vertical stripes and white-edged fins, which help them disguise. Unlike some finned creatures that migrate long distances, these pint-sized fish inhabit a small world, rarely straying far from their local reefs.Desktop Version
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur, Rajasthan
Step into the world of intricate artistry at the sacred site of Ranakpur Jain temple, Rajasthan. Also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, because of the four faces temple design, this stunning Śvētāmbara Jain temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, also known as Ādinātha. This architectural marvel was commissioned by Darna Shah, a local Jain businessman, in the 15th century after he experienced a divine vision. The temple is crafted in the form of the Nalini-Gulma Vimana—a heavenly vehicle that he envisioned in his dreams. Built in the Māru-Gurjara architectural style, the temple houses a garbhagriha, the innermost sanctuary, where the main Chaumukha Adinatha idol is enshrined.Desktop Version
Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
Let"s take a sneak peek at the black caimans of South America that"s lurking in the waters of Peru"s Tambopata National Reserve. These carnivorous creatures thrive in freshwater environments such as slow-moving rivers, lakes and seasonally flooded savannahs. This creature, the largest in the alligator family, can grow to more than 6 metres and tip the scales at upwards of 450 kilograms. Their dark scales are a masterstroke of camouflage, giving them an edge in hunting a variety of aquatic and terrestrial prey. Their role extends beyond predation, however. They indirectly protect our agricultural interests by maintaining balance within their ecosystem, preventing overpopulation of species such as piranhas and capybaras, which can affect local agriculture and livestock.Desktop Version
European river otter
European river otter
The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.Desktop Version
A smooth landing, feet first
A smooth landing, feet first
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Hovering over harmonious horticulture
Hovering over harmonious horticulture
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Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
Walruses in Svalbard, Norway
What"s the perfect thing to do under the midnight sun? If you"re a walrus like the ones in today"s image, the answer might be taking a quick dip with your crew, chowing down on clams and mussels and then sunbathing on a beach or ice floe. Welcome to Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Photographed in the waters off Spitsbergen, the largest of the archipelago"s nine islands, these aquatic mammals are year-round residents that are often found in male or female herds. Male walruses can be almost 3-metres long and weigh more than 1,179 kilograms, and during mating season, they use this girth to fight among themselves for dominance over groups of females, called harems.Desktop Version