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Jul 2, 2024Italica, an old Roman city in Santiponce, Andalusia, Spain

It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the Battle of Ilipa, Roman general and statesman, Publius Cornelius Scipio, built a settlement for the veterans who helped defeat the Carthaginians. Located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, it was named Italica, after the Italian origin of its inhabitants. The city was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and played a significant role in the Romanisation of the region, then known as Hispania—today Spain. Italica flourished in the centuries following its founding, especially during the rule of Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, who were born there.Desktop Version

Jul 1, 2024Fisgard Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada

Canada is the second-largest country by landmass after Russia, and every corner abounds in natural treasures—like the Great Bear Rainforest, the Northwest Passage, the Columbia Icefield or the Haida Gwaii archipelago—with 80% of its land being unoccupied. Looking out at the pleasant waters of Colwood"s natural harbour is the Fisgard Lighthouse, seen here. The tower was the first lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, built on the Fisgard Island in the Esquimalt Harbour, British Columbia, in 1860. Automated since 1929, it displays a white isophase light with a 2-second period in a sector from 322° to 195°, at a height of 21.6 metres above mean sea level. In other directions, it features red shutters. The lighthouse, with its white tower standing 14.6 metres tall, is floodlit below the balcony level.Desktop Version

Jun 30, 2024Ubud, 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

Jun 29, 2024Tour de France 2024

It"s time to get pedalling. The Tour de France, the world"s most famous bike race, is starting today. Beginning in Florence, Italy, the 2024 Tour will cover a total distance of over 3,490 kilometres. This year"s course will be a little different from the other races in the Tour"s history. The final finish line has always been in Paris; however, because the French capital will be busy getting ready for this year"s Olympic Games, the race will end in Nice on France"s Mediterranean coast.Desktop Version

Jun 28, 2024Stonewall uprising anniversary

Fifty-five years ago today, a movement was born. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, New York City, US, Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. At the time, homosexuality was illegal, and raids against LGBTQIA+ establishments were common. However, on that night, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, fed up with the continued harassment, decided to stand their ground. Violence escalated, leading to clashes between protesters and police. In the following days, there was more rioting as people gathered to protest the raids.Desktop Version

Jun 27, 2024Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! Let the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore transport you through time. More than just a church, this Gothic structure, with its red-tiled dome, is steeped in centuries of history. Built over an older cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata, construction began in 1296 under the supervision of architect Arnolfo di Cambio.Desktop Version

Jun 26, 2024Banggai 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

Jun 25, 2024Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, USA

Amid the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert in Nevada, US, lies the natural grandeur of the Valley of Fire State Park. This park, which stretches across 186 square kilometres, is named after the fiery red Aztec Sandstone, an Early Jurassic geological formation made up of ancient sand dunes. The park"s highlight, Fire Wave, is a geological marvel that appears like a frozen wave with its red, pink and white stripes.Desktop Version

Jun 24, 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia

You might have seen lakes with some unique colours before, but Indonesian island of Flores, with its volcano Kelimutu, may steal the show. Home to three lakes, each with its own hue and folklore, this natural wonder attracts travellers seeking an otherworldly experience. Volcanic vents deep within the Earth release steam and gas, which alter the lakes" mineral compositions, causing reactions that transform their appearance periodically.Desktop Version

Jun 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cultural opulence, bustling economy and spirited locals—welcome to Dhaka in Bangladesh! This megacity on the Ganges Delta, home to over 10.2 million people, is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Once known as Jahangirnagar after ruling emperor Jahangir, Dhaka was the provincial capital of the Mughal Empire for 75 years in total.Desktop Version

Jun 21, 2024International Day of Yoga

Grab your mat and find your flow—it"s International Day of Yoga! Celebrated around the world on June 21 each year, this day was proposed to the United Nations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The UN adopted the day in 2014 after the initiative received unanimous support from 177 countries in the General Assembly.Desktop Version

Jun 20, 2024Summer 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

Jun 19, 2024Reticulated giraffe mother greeting calf in Kenya

Featured here are reticulated giraffes, found mostly in Kenya, but also in parts of Somalia and Ethiopia. Giraffes have fascinated travellers from around the world for a long time. These animals were viewed as symbols of status and treasured as pets among royalty. Their coats feature large, polygonal-shaped spots that extend onto the lower legs, tail and face. Unfortunately, only around 16,000 reticulated giraffes remain in the wild, less than half of the approximately 36,000 recorded in the 1980s. Nevertheless, recent years have observed a promising trend in northern Kenya, where populations are rebounding thanks to places like the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. So, let"s pledge to protect these creatures and their habitats.Desktop Version

Jun 18, 2024Lupine fields, Snæfellsnes, Iceland

As spring gives way to summer in Iceland, the rugged landscape puts on a colourful parade. Lupines were introduced to Iceland in the 1940s for soil erosion control due to their roots" soil-binding properties. The plant flourishes in sandy and salty soils and propagates rapidly, painting the countryside with hues of purple, pink and blue. Although some consider lupine to be an invasive species that threatens native plants, its arrival is welcomed by locals and tourists as a cherished characteristic of the summer landscape. You can find lupine fields in various regions, including Reykjavík and near the Skógafoss waterfall. These flowers also line the road leading to the Hellissandur Church in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Jun 17, 2024Green-crowned brilliant hummingbird

Featured here are the small heroes who help plants flourish! These creatures transport pollen to help plants reproduce. While some plants are self-pollinating or pollinated by wind or water, the majority of them are fertilised with the help of bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, birds—like the green-crowned brilliant hummingbird in today"s image—and even bats. Green-crowned brilliant hummingbirds inhabit various landscapes such as the interior, edges and clearings of humid sub-montane and montane forests, mature secondary forests and gardens. In Costa Rica, they are typically found at elevations between 700 and 2,200 metres, though occasionally as low as 100 metres.Desktop Version

Jun 16, 2024Happy Fathers Day!

Today"s all about the dads. Father"s Day is the perfect time to celebrate everything they do for us, how they look after us, help us grow up and tell the best dad jokes. There are also great dads in the animal kingdom, like the foxy father seen in today"s image. Female red foxes need to stay in their dens with their young after giving birth, so males spend their time going out to bring her food. When the pups are a little older, their father takes time to play with them, teaching them survival skills they"ll need in later life, like hunting and scavenging.Desktop Version

Jun 15, 2024Nazaré, Portugal

Today"s image shows an intrepid surfer riding a wave at Nazaré, Portugal. This town on the Atlantic coast is known for its giant waves, which can reach over 30 metres in height. Thanks to these impressive breakers, several surf records have been broken here, including the biggest wave ever surfed, which was over 26 metres. Surfing involves riding a wave using a board, regardless of the stance. Ancient surfers often rode waves on their belly and knees. Today, surfing typically means riding a wave standing on a surfboard, known as stand-up surfing.Desktop Version

Jun 14, 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada

Perched on a rugged granite outcropping, Peggys Point Lighthouse is a stoic guardian of Nova Scotia"s coast. Built in 1914, the 15-metre-tall lighthouse embodies the enduring spirit of maritime Canada. Its beacon was first turned on in 1915. The current lighthouse replaced a wooden structure made in 1868. The original wooden lighthouse became the lighthouse keeper"s house until it was damaged by Hurricane Edna in 1954, when it was removed. The ground floor of the current lighthouse served as a post office during the summer months until 2009, when Canada Post shut down the service, citing mould growth as a hazard. The lighthouse, now automated, attracts visitors eager to glimpse into Canada"s seafaring past and feel the ocean"s spray.Desktop Version

Jun 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Gather "round, explorers, as we tiptoe into the Registan Square in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan! Meaning "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian, Registan was the centre of activity during the Timurid Empire. The square embodied the essence of the Timurid Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival, which spread throughout the Muslim world between the 14th and early 16th century CE.Desktop Version

Jun 12, 2024Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Ready to channel your inner nature enthusiast? Let"s explore Big Bend National Park in West Texas, USA. This park is the largest protected area in the Chihuahuan Desert, covering over 3,237 square kilometres. The Big Bend State Park was established on June 12, 1944, when the state of Texas transferred this land to the federal government.Desktop Version

Jun 11, 2024A group of Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana

Horns up, heads high! Featured here is a group of gemsboks, a large antelope, reigning over the sprawling savannahs in southwestern Africa. Indigenous to the arid territories of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and parts of Zimbabwe, they thrive mainly within the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. They can survive in extremely dry conditions and can go without water for weeks, getting moisture from the food they eat. Moreover, gemsboks are adept runners, achieving speeds of up to 59 kilometres per hour. Their distinguishing trait is their notably elongated, straight horns. Although both genders possess these formidable defences, the females" horns tend to be slightly longer and sleeker while the males" horns are thicker with broader bases. So, if you ever find yourself in the sandy plains of the Kalahari, keep an eye out for these desert gems.Desktop Version

Jun 10, 2024The city of Osaka at night, Japan

In the heart of Japan, where the past and future intertwine, lies a city pulsating with life and culture—Osaka. Traditionally an economic hub, Osaka has twice served briefly as the imperial capital, once in the 7th and once in the 8th century. It flourished culturally during the Edo period (1603–1867) and became a major industrial centre after the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which restored imperial rule to Japan.Desktop Version

Jun 9, 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain

Within the scenic landscape of Navarra, northern Spain, the Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park is like a surrealist painting come to life! This park is renowned for its desert-like landscapes sculpted by millennia of erosion. Featuring rocky plateaus, canyons and whimsically shaped clay structures called cabezos, the park is a playground of geological wonders.Desktop Version

Jun 8, 2024Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, USA

Today"s image features a confluence, where Alaska"s Easter Creek and Killik River unite in a beautiful display. The Killik River originates in the northern area of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and flows approximately 217 kilometres north until it meets the Colville River at Killik Bend. This is a region of the high arctic with few trees and lots of tundra and muskeg. The lower stretch of the river meanders slowly through lakes and permafrost terrain, while the upper portion remains nestled deep within the mountains. Numerous archaeological sites and traces of early Native American settlements and hunting activities are found throughout the region. The Rafters have access to two sections of the river, spanning 168 and 144 kilometres respectively, offering a rewarding 7 to 10-day journey. So, when are you embarking on this thrilling experience?Desktop Version

Jun 7, 2024World Oceans Day

Today, let"s embark on a watery adventure as we celebrate World Oceans Day. This day is about honouring and protecting the world"s oceans and serves as a reminder of the critical role oceans play in supporting life on Earth. These gargantuan water bodies, after all, teem with wonders, from the tiniest plankton to the grandest whales like the humpbacks we see here. The oceans also produce almost half of the oxygen on our planet thanks to the photosynthesis of plankton—tiny plants, algae and bacteria. Moreover, they absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change caused by human activities.Desktop Version

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