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Vatican City with St. Peters Basilica
Vatican City with St. Peters Basilica
In the middle of Rome, Italy, lies an entire country of its own: Vatican City. At just 121 acres, it"s the smallest independent nation in the world, yet its reach spans centuries and continents. Home to the pope and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, this walled enclave is a blend of art, history, and devotion. At its core stands St. Peter"s Basilica. Seen in the distance in today"s image, this Renaissance masterpiece is built over what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome. With its soaring dome dominating the skyline, the basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Just beyond the basilica lies St. Peter"s Square, where thousands gather for papal blessings. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, which houses Michelangelo"s famed ceiling, are other must-sees. Despite its size, Vatican City has its own postal service, telephone system, and banking system.Desktop Version
Endangered Species Day
Endangered Species Day
Each year on the third Friday of May, people worldwide recognize Endangered Species Day—a day to celebrate, learn about, and act on behalf of at-risk wildlife. First launched in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and conservationist David Robinson, this event inspires local and global efforts to protect threatened animals and their habitats.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.Desktop Version
Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, US-Canada border
Thousand Islands region, St. Lawrence River, US-Canada border
When you hear "Thousand Islands," you might think of a jar of salad dressing, but the namesake of that creamy condiment is one of North America"s most enchanting regions. The Thousand Islands form an archipelago in the St. Lawrence River, spanning the state of New York and the province of Ontario. It is made up of more than 1,800 islands. Some of these islands have fairytale castles; others are barely big enough for a hammock. There"s also Just Room Enough Island, which lives up to its name with a single house and a lone tree.Desktop Version
Juneteenth
Juneteenth
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the US. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, an acknowledgment of its indelible imprint on the country.Desktop Version
Annivesary of the Wilderness Act of 1964
Annivesary of the Wilderness Act of 1964
The Wilderness Act of 1964, passed 61 years ago today, established the legal definition of wilderness in the United States. Its purpose was to preserve areas "where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man." This landmark legislation created the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting millions of acres from development, roads, and mechanized use.Desktop Version
Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve in Sweden
Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve in Sweden
Discover Knuthöjdsmossen, a nature reserve that covers almost 250 acres near the city of Hällefors, Sweden. This tranquil haven features a boardwalk that meanders through a bog, showcasing several small lakes, sand dunes, marshes, and pines.Desktop Version
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
Gulf Islands National Seashore spans the northern Gulf of Mexico along the coasts of Florida and Mississippi, offering recreational activities and preserving natural and historic sites. Established in 1971, it boasts miles of white sand beaches, historic fortifications, and rich wildlife habitats. The seashore includes a 4,080-acre wilderness area on Mississippi"s Petit Bois and Horn Islands, protecting their unique ecosystems. Besides being a perfect spot for snorkeling, hiking, and swimming, the seashore is home to a wide range of wildlife including armadillos, dolphins, pelicans, and sea turtles.Desktop Version
Splendid leaf frog
Splendid leaf frog
Don"t let the name fool you—this frog isn"t just leafing around. The splendid leaf frog (aka splendid tree frog) is a rainforest resident with a flair for the dramatic: neon legs, sticky feet, and a disappearing act. One minute it"s a humble green leaf, the next it"s a flash of color mid-leap, startling predators. This frog lives high in the canopies of Central and South America, especially in Costa Rica, Panama, and parts of Ecuador and Colombia. It spends its days snoozing on leaves and its nights foraging for insects. With vertical pupils and a golden glow, oversized eyes help this frog spot prey in the dark. Thanks to sticky toe pads and strong limbs, it can cling to branches and leaves like a pro, even in the canopy"s slippery heights.Desktop Version
Happy Fourth of July!
Happy Fourth of July!
Every year on July 4, Americans come together to celebrate the birth of our nation. It marks the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, proclaiming the original 13 colonies" freedom from British rule. From coast to coast, we celebrate with fireworks, BBQs, parades, and patriotic music—and Seattle hosts one of the most dazzling displays in the country.Desktop Version
Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Ever wondered what it"s like to live on a movie set? Oia is about as close as it gets, part of Greece"s Santorini archipelago. This village has appeared in films like "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "Tomb Raider," thanks to its Cycladic houses—cube-shaped homes with flat roofs—and cliffside views that feel almost unreal. Its unique architecture has roots in the late 19th century. Sailors and merchants carved houses right into the volcanic cliffs—cool in summer and warm in winter. The white-and-blue theme is also more than just for show: houses were painted with lime wash so rainwater would run off and be collected. Today, visitors wander its cobbled lanes, explore the Naval Maritime Museum, or climb to the ruins of Agios Nikolaos Castle for unforgettable sunsets.Desktop Version
Patriot Day
Patriot Day
September 11, 2001, began like any other day—until history changed in an instant. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93. Today, on Patriot Day, we honor the fallen and the countless acts of courage that emerged in the face of tragedy, from firefighters and first responders to ordinary citizens who became heroes. At 8:46 AM Eastern Time—the moment the first plane struck the North Tower—Americans observe a moment of silence. Permanent memorials now stand at each of the three sites. Visiting one or volunteering in your community is a meaningful way to participate in the National Day of Service and honor those who continue to serve.Desktop Version
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
This place wasn"t built overnight—nature took its time to craft this masterpiece. What you see at Arches National Park, Utah, is the result of over 300 million years of erosion, uplift, and weathering. These arches were formed when salt beds were left behind by ancient seas. Over time, layers of sandstone cracked, shifted, and slowly wore away, revealing more than 2,000 natural arches. These formations are made mostly of Entrada and Navajo sandstone. The park was recognized as a national monument in 1929 and was later upgraded to national park status in 1971.Desktop Version
World Reef Awareness Day
World Reef Awareness Day
"Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there," Sebastian the crab once told Ariel. But are we doing enough to protect that underwater world? On June 1, we celebrate World Reef Awareness Day, a time to recognize the beauty—and fragility—of coral reef ecosystems. One magnificent example is the New Caledonian barrier reef, which wraps around Grande Terre, New Caledonia"s largest island. At over 930 miles long, it"s one of the longest continuous barrier reefs in the world. Its vast 9,300-square-mile lagoon is home to over 2,300 fish species, endangered dugongs, green sea turtles, and migrating humpback whales.Desktop Version
Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Before you hit the beach, you"ll hear it—the rustle of leaves in salty air, the creak of twisted trunks, the hush of an old world. Welcome to the maritime forest of Cumberland Island National Seashore on the southernmost stretch of Georgia"s Atlantic coast. Salt spray, sandy soil, hurricanes? The trees here stand their ground. Live oaks bend but don"t break. Saw palmettos crowd the ground like leafy bodyguards, while Spanish moss hangs from branches like nature"s fringe. This maritime forest is one of the best remaining examples of this rare habitat in the United States. Thanks to its national seashore status, the island has been spared from the concrete creep seen on other coastlines.Desktop Version
International Day of Light
International Day of Light
Happy International Day of Light! Held on May 16, it marks the anniversary of the invention of the laser by the American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pioneering creation helped revolutionize fields from communications to health care and lasers are now found in everything from printers and barcode scanners to surgical devices. Today"s event also celebrates light"s presence in every aspect of human existence, from art and culture to science and technology.Desktop Version
Pride Month
Pride Month
June is Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall uprising, a series of protests by the LGBTQIA+ community that took place on June 28, 1969, in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York City. Various events around the world are held in June to honor and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing pursuit for equality. This month, vibrant parades hit the streets, and buildings light up in the colors of the rainbow—a symbol of the LGBTQIA+ social movements—in numerous cities to praise freedom for all. Today"s homepage shows the skyline of San Francisco, home to one of the largest and oldest Pride parades, with City Hall lit up in rainbow lights.Desktop Version
Fallen but not forgotten
Fallen but not forgotten
Today, as we observe Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who gave their lives to defend our nation and uphold its values. The origins of this day date back to the 1860s, in the years following the Civil War and the first national observance was held in 1868. However, one of the earliest accounts is from October 1864, when three women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, placed flowers at the graves of two Union soldiers. They decided to decorate the graves of all the fallen soldiers and returned to do the same the following year.Desktop Version
World Population Day
World Population Day
We are living in a full house, and it is getting fuller. With 8.2 billion people and counting, World Population Day highlights how that growth affects cities, food, and the future. First observed in 1989, the day focuses on how unchecked population growth affects sustainability. The event was inspired by Five Billion Day in 1987, which marked the approximate date when the global population hit that milestone. As cities expand, green spaces shrink, and agriculture competes for limited land and water resources. But there is a way forward—investing in education, improving access to healthcare, and building smarter cities can balance growth with sustainability.Desktop Version
National Rivers Month
National Rivers Month
The lush greenery of June is here, and so is National Rivers Month, a 30-day tribute to the veins of our planet that was created by Canadian activist Mark Angelo. Just like the confluence featured here today, where Alaska"s Easter Creek and Killik River unite in a beautiful display, we too come together every year to help preserve the nation"s rivers. With increasing threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and overuse, it"s more important than ever to advocate for the protection of our waterways. Whether you"re paddling down a gentle stream, casting a line for some fishing fun, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, there are countless ways to connect with these flowing wonders. The US alone boasts a vast network of over 250,000 rivers that stretches more than 3 million miles across diverse terrains. Which one are you heading to?Desktop Version
Shakespeare Day
Shakespeare Day
"All the world"s a stage ..." and only a few have shaped that stage like William Shakespeare. Every April 23, we celebrate Shakespeare Day, honoring one of England"s greatest playwrights and poets. This date is special as it marks both his birth and death. Born in 1564, Shakespeare revolutionized English literature with unforgettable works like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet." Four centuries after his death, his influence remains undeniable—his stories continue to captivate, challenge, and inspire.Desktop Version
Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
In the lush Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, a striated heron perches on a Victoria water lily. This water bird, also known as the mangrove heron, is about 16 inches tall. It is a master of patience, waiting to ambush its prey. It uses clever tactics, such as dropping feathers or insects to lure fish. Common in the wetlands of South America, the striated heron is also found in North America, Australia, Africa, Asia, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands.Desktop Version
World Otter Day
World Otter Day
Playful, strong swimmers, and expert hunters—meet the otters. They come in 13 species of various shapes and sizes, from the sea otters found in coastal waters to the river otters frolicking in freshwater habitats. Seen in today"s image is a Eurasian otter on the beautiful Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. With webbed feet, streamlined bodies, and dense fur coats, otters are built for speed and agility underwater. They can dive deep and hold their breath for several minutes.Desktop Version
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
J.R.R. Tolkien Day
Our picture of the day takes us to the Swiss village of Lauterbrunnen, where the Staubbach Falls shimmers in the distance beyond a quiet alpine valley. This is the landscape a young traveler, J.R.R. Tolkien, crossed during a hiking trip in 1911, long before he became the storyteller behind "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Its soaring cliffs, silver waterfalls, and crisp mountain air left a lasting impression and are believed to have inspired his vision of Rivendell, the elven refuge hidden deep in Middle-earth.Desktop Version
World Turtle Day
World Turtle Day
No need to hurry, because today marks the 25th anniversary of World Turtle Day. Turtles and tortoises thrive in a variety of environments and are linked to wisdom and perseverance. All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. While turtles are smaller and built for swimming, tortoises are larger, heavier, and adapted for life on land. The American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) established World Turtle Day to raise awareness and protection efforts on May 23 each year. ATR has helped rehabilitate, rescue, and rehome around 4,000 turtles and tortoises, working to protect them and their disappearing habitats.Desktop Version