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Oct 22, 2023Astoria-Megler Bridge, Oregon

Imagine travelling for nearly two years across plains, mountains, and forest and finally arriving at this setting, the mighty waters of the Columbia River emptying into the Pacific Ocean, with the sea stretching out to the horizon. That is what greeted Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1805 on their legendary North American expedition that originated near St. Louis. Fort Astoria, founded nearby in 1811 by the American Fur Company, was the first US-owned settlement on the West Coast. The Astoria-Megler Bridge was added to this picture 155 years later, the final piece connecting Los Angeles to Olympia, Washington via US Route 101. Water from seven states and two Canadian provinces flows through the Columbia, passing under the six-kilometre structure, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.Desktop Version

Oct 21, 2023Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

As the sun sets, casting a warm glow on the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, a magical view unfolds. Amidst this scene stands Mehrangarh Fort, housed atop a rocky hill. This fort was the seat of power for the Rathore dynasty, witnessing both victory and challenges. The current architecture was developed over 500 years, starting with its foundation by then-ruler Rao Jodha in 1459.Desktop Version

Oct 20, 2023Pygmy three-toed sloth baby, Isla Escudo de Veraguas, Panama

Pygmy three-toed sloths identified by their messy hairstyles and friendly faces might make you want to join the branch party, but these animals are not at all easy to find. Also known as the monk sloth or dwarf sloth, the species is endemic exclusively to a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama, Isla Escudo de Veraguas. This species is significantly smaller than other kinds of sloths. They are about 50 centimetres in length and weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms. Sadly, the pygmy three-toed sloth is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature"s list.Desktop Version

Oct 19, 2023Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a Hindu festival spanning ten days, according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees set up pandals and display huge idols of Goddess Durga along with Saraswati, Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Durga can be seen defeating the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Each year, as the festival approaches, the atmosphere of Kolkata undergoes a transformation as communities come together to celebrate. Months ahead of the festival artisans construct exquisite idols of the goddess, after which they are meticulously adorned with vibrant clothing as well as jewellery. In December 2021, the United Nations recognised Durga Puja in Kolkata as part of the world"s cultural heritage. It"s now listed as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. On the last day of the festival, the clay idols are immersed in the same river from which the earth was sourced along with the beating of drums.Desktop Version

Oct 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is situated on Kodiak Island in Alaska. This refuge was established as a refuge in 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt"s leadership. Kodiak Island boasts a diverse landscape that includes an extensive shoreline spanning hundreds of kilometres as well as lakes, marshes, bogs and meadows. Did you know that the contains seven major rivers and about 100 streams? The island"s towering mountains are adorned with fjord inlets and lush vegetation, including sedges, alders, spruces, vibrant wildflowers and delicious berries. A wild inhabitant of the islands, the Kodiak bear, the largest subspecies of brown bear, is named after the archipelago.Desktop Version

Oct 17, 2023Persepolis, Iran

Cuneiform, a script characterized by wedge-shaped symbols, was used in transcribing numerous languages of the Ancient Near East, which region roughly corresponds to today"s Middle East area. Its usage spanned from the early Bronze Age to the dawn of the 1st century CE. The publication of Achaemenid royal inscriptions at Persepolis—modern-day Iran—shed light again on cuneiform in the early 17th century. These inscriptions presented a mosaic of languages, a linguistic puzzle that would ultimately yield to the determined efforts of scholars in the 19th century. Unraveling the secrets of cuneiform opened a window into the past, allowing us to grasp the profound significance of this ancient script in shaping human history.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

Oct 15, 2023European hedgehog

Brown, round, tiny and spiny—say hello to the European hedgehog! While this is the only species of hedgehog in the United Kingdom, where our image was taken, 17 other species can be found across Europe, Asia, Africa and New Zealand. With leaves turning gold and the air getting chilly, this European hedgehog is all set to gain some weight for the upcoming season.Desktop Version

Oct 14, 2023Ring of fire solar eclipse

Sky gazers and scientists have all been counting down to witness today"s annular solar eclipse which will pass over parts of the Americas. A solar eclipse is nothing more than an alignment of the sun, Earth and moon that has the earth passing through the moon"s shadow. But why is the solar eclipse in today"s image different? It occurs when the moon is farthest from the Earth because of its elliptical orbit. When this happens, it appears smaller, letting the sun"s brilliance peek through and creating a halo—the "Ring of fire". Viewers in specific regions can witness this cosmic show, but please be cautious. This eclipse should not be looked at directly without wearing specialised eye protection.Desktop Version

Oct 13, 2023Vieste, Apulia, Italy

Vieste is a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Italy. With origins dating back thousands of years, its history is a tapestry woven by various civilisations, including the Normans, Byzantines and Romans. The town"s historic center is filled with charming narrow streets, ancient architecture, and a medieval Swabian castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. What truly captivates visitors, however, is Vieste"s stunning natural landscape, renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. In fact, Vieste"s waters are so clear that it has been awarded Blue Flag certification for its water quality. The famous Pizzomunno rock formation has legends associated with it, which are often variations of the same story about a young man named Pizzomunno and his lover Cristalda. With its blend of history, natural wonders and leisure pursuits, Vieste remains a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.Desktop Version

Oct 12, 2023Old barn and canola field, Palouse region, Idaho

The Palouse region is a captivating blend of natural beauty and agriculture. The undulating landscape covers parts of Idaho and Washington and is known for its rolling hills filled with wheat, legumes and canola, seen here today. It is often described as a patchwork quilt of colours. Visitors can take up activities like hiking, birdwatching, enjoying the sunset and practising photography. If you wish to observe various agricultural methods, you can even speak to farmers or the owners of the farms. One can easily spot some old barns with rusty roofs and weathered wood that tell tales of harvests and hardships faced by generations of farmers. So, before you eat your next meal, we encourage you to take a moment and think of the workers who produced that food from the land.Desktop Version

Oct 11, 2023The Painted Hills, Oregon

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located in Oregon, is a geological treasure. It is renowned for its exceptional fossil deposits, specifically the mesmerising Painted Hills, which is one of the three units in the park. Layers of vividly coloured clay-rich soils make for a captivating landscape. These hills contain a record of changing climates and ecosystems that span millions of years. Here, visitors can explore a museum that displays fossils of plants and animals that thrived long ago. One can get a glimpse of fossils of opossums, oreodonts, sabre-toothed tigers and turtles by visiting the Clarno unit of the monument. These remnants serve as a reminder of the dynamic and fascinating history our planet holds.Desktop Version

Oct 10, 2023Mount Sopris, Colorado

The colossal Mount Sopris stands out in the Elk Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountain range, in the Centennial State, Colorado. Situated near the town of Carbondale, Mount Sopris has two distinct summits, East Sopris and West Sopris. It"s a common misconception that Mount Sopris was a volcano. In reality, the magma within Mount Sopris didn"t erupt; it underwent crystallisation deep beneath the Earth"s surface, approximately 3,048 metres down, creating a massive rock-covered dome. In addition to its natural allure, Mount Sopris was a hallowed site for various Indigenous peoples, including the Ute tribes, who have historically inhabited the region. In the past, the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys served as seasonal dwellings and hunting territories for the Parianuche and Yampa bands of the Ute people. The mountain continues to be a beloved emblem of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, drawing in visitors and adventurers alike.Desktop Version

Oct 9, 2023Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Deep in the heart of India, among the many majestic hill forts of the country, sits the Gwalior Fort, proudly occupying the colossal rocky hill known as Gopachal. Crafted initially from the enduring combination of sandstone and lime mortar, this fort reigns as one of Gwalior"s most distinguished landmarks. Its history stretches far back, marked by sieges and conquests by a procession of rulers throughout the ages. At a certain juncture, the Gwalior Fort stood as an impregnable bastion in the heart of northern and central India. A symbol of military might that harbors a multitude of temples, each bearing the unique imprint of various kings from different eras.Desktop Version

Oct 8, 2023World Octopus Day

Don"t blame yourself if you are not sure what you are looking at. The veined octopus, also known as the coconut octopus, is one of the smartest animals on Earth and has an exceptional talent for building deceptive shelter from seashells and coconut shells. If you peek inside, you may notice some arms covered with circular suction cups; octopuses have eight of these limbs, which is where their name originates from. "Októpus" is a Greek word, meaning "eight footed". The arms, lined with suckers, have clusters of neurons in them, which make them particularly sensitive. Each arm—attached to the conical head—can be used separately, allowing the octopus to solve often complex tasks. Octopuses can match the colour—sometimes even the texture—of their environment, which might be another reason why you don"t spot them easily.Desktop Version

Oct 7, 2023Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, Alaska

Katmai National Park, situated in southern Alaska, is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness and unique natural features. One of its famous inhabitants is the brown bear, with a population of approximately 2,000. Each year, park rangers organise a bracketed tournament to crown one ravenous grizzly as the fattest bear. Bears such as Beadnose and Bear 747—everyone has their own number—are repeat champions. Katmai also houses the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a landscape created by a volcanic eruption called Novarupta. Here visitors can explore this otherworldly terrain, hike trails, enjoy the view of the pristine lakes and have a look at the salmon-filled rivers.Desktop Version

Oct 6, 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York

Taughannock Falls State Park, located in New York"s scenic Finger Lakes area, is a natural marvel made by the relentless carving of Taughannock Creek into the landscape. This wonderful park is home not just to the magnificent waterfall of the same name, but also to stunning pathways, unique rock formations and numerous wild animals. The name Taughannock has unclear origins, though a leading theory says it is a combination of Iroquois and Algonquin terms, roughly translating to "great fall in the woods". The park, which was founded in 1924, guarantees visitors memorable adventures, whether you hike the rim paths for panoramic views of the falls and rock formations, take a refreshing plunge in Cayuga Lake or bring a pair of binoculars for birding. A keen eye can spot winged locals such as turkey vultures, common loons and great horned owls.Desktop Version

Oct 5, 2023Gentoo Penguins, Antarctica

Just as teachers shape minds and futures, nature too offers its own ways of passing knowledge. Nestled in the rocky landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic islands, gentoo penguin hatchlings, born in pairs, witness an intricate tale of dedication from their parents. The father and mother raise them in a bonded, monogamous pair, bringing food back to the stony nest they have built together. After being fed and raised for 30 days, the chicks join a crèche or nursery for safety and to learn social behaviour. Penguin parents and their community pass on their wisdom through the language of survival.Desktop Version

Oct 4, 2023World Space Week

World Space Week - observed from October 4 to 10 every year - serves as an opportunity to educate individuals worldwide about the multitude of benefits that emanate from space exploration and technology, and to celebrate humanity"s extraterrestrial achievements. A stunning cosmic spectacle that deserves mention is the Tarantula Nebula, captured by NASA"s James Webb Space Telescope. The Tarantula Nebula is the most luminous and largest star-forming region in a galaxy group called the Local Group, which is also home to our own Milky Way. The nebula"s colossal size and dynamic energy offer plenty of compelling material for cosmologists and stargazers.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

Oct 2, 2023Gandhi Jayanti

Gandhi Jayanti is a day dedicated to honouring the "Father of the Nation", Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. On October 2, Ghandi—whose birthday is October 2, 1869— is commemorated as a national holiday in India. The United Nations General Assembly declared the day as the International Day of Non-Violence in 2007 in recognition of the non-violent freedom-fighter. Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement, which led to India"s freedom from British rule. Today, we remember him as a symbol of peace and liberation in India.Desktop Version

Oct 1, 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia

Nestled amidst the Julian Alps is the 145-hectare Lake Bled in Slovenia, inviting you to step into a storybook setting. The star of the show? A tiny island called Bled Island beckons with the allure of legends and "rowmance." Hop on a traditional pletna boat and make your way to this island sanctuary. These flat-bottomed boats are unique to Bled and only 23 boats navigate the lake, piloted by skilled oarsmen whose profession has been handed down through generations since 1740. The island is home to the 17th-century Assumption of Mary Church, which hosts a special bell that legend says will make wishes come true! If you look to the shore, you can spot Bled Castle overlooking the lake"s expanse. The castle - one of the oldest in Slovenia - is positioned on a precipice above the town of Bled on the northwestern shore of the lake.Desktop Version

Sep 30, 2023Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

"Oak"tober is upon us and that means it"s time to turn over a new leaf! Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia"s Shenandoah National Park spans over 800 square kilometres. As summer bids farewell, the park undergoes a transformation, unveiling its most enchanting chapter: the fall season. The leaves put on their fanciest outfits - reds, oranges, and golds -creating an amazing show you won"t want to miss. The Skyline Drive, a 169-kilometre route, offers front-row seats, with more than 75 overlooks. Did you know Shenandoah has more than 300 species of trees, vines and shrubs? The sugar maples, hickories and oaks are the rock stars of the colour-changing game. So, whether you"re an avid hiker, a nature photographer or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this park has it all.Desktop Version

Sep 29, 2023Sangameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Nestled in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, India you will find the Sangameswara Temple. A timeless gem that attracts both spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva holds a history spanning centuries. A part of the Hindui trinity known as the Trimurti along with Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva is often referred to as the "Auspicious One", and play a major role in creating, protecting and transforming the universe. Followers of Shiva might visit this temple to pay homage, and all other travellers can immerse themselves in the allure and aura of Sangameswara Temple where history, spirituality and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine.Desktop Version

Sep 28, 2023Container ship near a port in Thailand

The sea is a wild and chaotic place to work, especially with approximately 80% of all countries having access to the ocean or an ocean-accessible sea. While the ocean plays a vital global role in trade, the survival of many species on Earth, including our own, depends on it remaining a healthy place.Desktop Version

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