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English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
Every holiday season, as snow begins to fall and Christmas lights twinkle in the night, the story of "The Nutcracker" comes to life on stages around the world. Written by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892, this beloved ballet is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann"s fairy tale "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." Set on Christmas Eve, it follows a young girl named Clara, who goes on an adventure with the Nutcracker Prince as they battle the evil Mouse King. Many renowned ballet companies present their rendition of this classic every year, including the New York City Ballet, the Boston Ballet, and the English National Ballet, pictured here.Desktop Version
Short-eared owl
Short-eared owl
The short-eared owl, featured in today"s image, is a grassland-dwelling member of the owl family. Found on all continents except Antarctica and Australia, it"s one of the most widely distributed bird species. This raptor belongs to the genus Asio, whose members are characterized by feather tufts ("ears") on their head. The short-eared owl only reveals its tufts when feeling defensive.Desktop Version
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day
On World Migratory Bird Day, we introduce the indigo bunting, a tiny bird with plumage like the twilight sky. They traverse thousands of miles using the stars to navigate as they fly between North America, and their wintering grounds in Central America and northern South America.Desktop Version
Seitan Limania Beach, Crete
Seitan Limania Beach, Crete
Crete is the largest and most populous of all the Greek islands, and also the farthest from the mainland (in fact, it"s just about halfway to Turkey). This big little island is small enough to drive across in a few hours but full of wonders, from mountain ranges to gorges to beautiful beaches. Take this jewel box of turquoise water near the port city of Chania, for example. Set on the easternmost of three peninsulas that stick out like horns from the northwest shoreline of Crete, Seitan Limania is one of the most photographed beaches on the island.Desktop Version
National Napping Day
National Napping Day
Feeling a bit tired? You"re not alone—losing an hour to daylight saving time can leave anyone groggy. That"s why Napping Day exists. Introduced in 1999 by William Anthony, a Boston University professor, and his wife, Camille, this unofficial holiday encourages everyone to take quality naps. Observed on the Monday after clocks spring forward, it"s a reminder that rest is essential for well-being. Research backs it up—short naps boost mood, enhance concentration, and sharpen memory. Napping is also linked to lower stress and better heart health. While power naps (20-30 minutes) are ideal for a quick recharge, even a few minutes of shut-eye can help.Desktop Version
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day
The second Monday of October is used by many to celebrate Indigenous Peoples" Day, as an alternative to Columbus Day, held on the same date. It highlights the customs and heritage of the Indigenous Peoples who lived in North America before the arrival of European settlers, and the devastating impact colonization had upon them.Desktop Version
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
This impressive structure is the Amphitheatre of El Jem, in the Tunisian town of the same name. Made entirely from stone blocks, it was built in the 3rd century CE, when this area was Thysdrus, a city of ancient Rome. Once capable of seating up to 35,000 spectators, it is the largest colosseum in North Africa and one of the largest in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, almost equal in grandeur to the Colosseum in Rome.Desktop Version
Three Natural Bridges, Wulong Karst, China
Three Natural Bridges, Wulong Karst, China
Carved by nature over centuries, the Three Natural Bridges tower over a deep gorge in Wulong Karst. This part of China is known for its karst landscape, which includes towering arches, extensive caves, and other rock formations. These limestone bridges are named after three dragons: Tianlong (Sky Dragon), Heilong (Black Dragon), and Qinglong (Azure Dragon), which is the tallest at 922 feet. Visitors can explore the mossy gorge beneath and the wider Wulong Karst National Geology Park, including the 9,337-foot Furong Cave with its huge limestone stalactites. Standing beneath these magnificent natural bridges, you can"t help but be humbled by the sheer power of time and nature.Desktop Version
Brown bears in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Brown bears in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska
In the pristine landscapes of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska, brown bears reign supreme. These magnificent creatures, also known as grizzly bears, are an iconic symbol of the untamed wilderness. Impressive in size, adult males can exceed 1,000 pounds and reach a standing height of 10 feet. Their thick, shaggy fur—varying in shades from blond to dark brown—provides insulation against the harsh Alaskan winter.Desktop Version
Badlands National Parks 45th anniversary
Badlands National Parks 45th anniversary
The strange stripes in our homepage image reveal tiers of fossil beds in Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Beneath the multicolored surface lies the land"s history, including the remains of ancient horses, camels, tigers, and rhinos. The barren landscape, dotted with pinnacles and prairies, was formed by two geological processes: deposition, where the layered rocks were gradually stacked up on top of each other by inland seas, winds, and rivers over millions of years, and erosion, which began about 500,000 years ago. The Red Shirt Table, at 3,340 feet, is the highest point in the park, which was established on this day in 1978. It protects 379 square miles of rocky buttes, pinnacles, and prairies. This inhospitable terrain was called "Mako Sica," or "land bad" by the Oglala Lakota people, who have lived here for hundreds of years. Still thirsty for knowledge? Visit the national park"s museum collection. There are over 360,000 objects that have a lot more to reveal!Desktop Version
Presidents Day
Presidents Day
The United States of America has had 46 commanders in chief, and today, the third Monday of February, we commemorate their legacies. Initially established to honor George Washington"s birthday, Presidents Day has evolved into a celebration of all presidents. Revered among them is Abraham Lincoln, a towering figure in American history, who guided the country through the Civil War and abolished slavery in America. The Lincoln Memorial, seen in today"s image, overlooks the Reflecting Pool at the west end of the National Mall in Washington, DC. Designed in a neoclassical style, the memorial is a poignant destination for those seeking to connect with American history during Presidents Day, and beyond.Desktop Version
Patriot Day
Patriot Day
On September 11, Patriot Day is observed as a national day of service and remembrance to honor the 2,977 people who died in the attacks on the United States in 2001. Congress established the day in 2002 with bipartisan support, and ever since, US government buildings, both domestic and abroad, fly the American flag at half-staff. Many citizens and businesses do the same in remembrance. Patriot Day also honors the hard work and sacrifice of the first responders who bravely put themselves in harm"s way in the hours and days after the attacks.Desktop Version
World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day
If you are a nature enthusiast, or simply enjoy listening to the sound of rumbling rivers, you might like to know that today is World Rivers Day. First held in 2005 during the United Nations" "Water for Life’ campaign, it was proposed by Canadian river conservationist Mark Angelo, who founded BC Rivers Day in western Canada in 1980. World Rivers Day is held on the fourth Sunday of September to celebrate and raise awareness of the benefits that rivers provide to people and the planet.Desktop Version
Totally Thames Festival, London
Totally Thames Festival, London
Welcome to the Totally Thames Festival in London, England. Each year, it brings together communities, artists, and nature enthusiasts in a month-long tribute to the river. Highlights for 2024 include the annual boat marathon, Great River Race, and the Clean Thames Challenge.Desktop Version
World Oceans Day
World Oceans Day
On World Oceans Day, you"re invited to dinner below the sea, hosted by these long-beaked common dolphins. This pod, off the Eastern Cape in South Africa, is employing an ingenious hunting technique, herding a school of frantic sardines toward the surface of the water so they have no escape, essentially driving them against a wall. Once pinned near the surface, the sardines are easy pickings for the hungry dolphins and any other lucky bystanders, like these dive-bombing Cape gannets who are quick to pounce on the opportunity. The technique requires teamwork of course but that comes easy to dolphins, known for their intelligence and tight familial bonds.Desktop Version
Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Surrounded by forests and embraced by fjords, the Norwegian port city of Drammen is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Birch trees flourish at high altitudes, making them a natural fit for the mountainous region. When autumn arrives, their leaves transform into a mosaic of gold and crimson, in stark contrast to their pale, slender trunks. Long associated with new beginnings and renewal, birch trees don"t just look good, they provide a home and sustenance for wildlife, and can be used for firewood and in construction.Desktop Version
National Park Service Founders Day
National Park Service Founders Day
Join us as we celebrate the American wilderness on National Park Service Founders Day. Today we honor the foresight of visionaries who spearheaded the creation of the NPS. This organization was established by President Woodrow Wilson to conserve wildlife, maintain natural landscapes, preserve historical artifacts, and offer educational programs. You can enjoy this day by visiting one of 429 national parks in the country and diving into ranger-led programs, volunteer efforts, and celebratory events to learn more about the history.Desktop Version
Alaska moose
Alaska moose
After months of eating, roaming, and avoiding predators, Alaska moose spend autumn trying to propagate the species during what is called the rutting season, which runs from late September to early October. Males, called bulls, will mark their scent on trees to attract females. They’ll also fight other bulls for access to females, called cows.Desktop Version
Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
In Norway, winter isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. In the north of the country, nights stretch for 20 hours, and there are entire weeks when the sun remains hidden below the horizon. It might sound bleak, but it"s a unique time of the year. Why? Because around early afternoon, usually between 1 and 2 PM, a soft, lingering light reflects off the snow-covered ground and the deep blue sea. This forms a breathtaking, glassy blue glow that settles over the landscape. Each day, the blue hour arrives just a little later, a gentle reminder that the sun is slowly preparing to reclaim the sky.Desktop Version
Black History Month
Black History Month
Born in New Orleans around the turn of the 20th century, with a sound that came from the blues, ragtime, and call-and-response vocals, jazz music is a notable chapter in Black history. You can almost hear John "Dizzy" Gillespie playing his signature bent trumpet, featured on our homepage today. Gillespie made his name in bebop, often called the first modern form of jazz, playing alongside other greats including Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk. Black musicians created genres like rock and roll, funk, hip-hop, and soul, the soundtrack to American culture and Black history.Desktop Version
Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Center-Val de Loire, France
Château de Sully-sur-Loire, Center-Val de Loire, France
If you"re a lover of history with a dash of drama, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, in the center of northern France, has you covered. This fortress has seen it all—battles, power shifts, and royal connections. Originally built in the 14th century, the medieval castle was designed to guard the Loire River and control access to the region. Over time, it evolved into a residence for nobility, most notably serving as the home of Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, who was a trusted minister of King Henry IV. The castle played a significant role during the French Wars of Religion from 1562 to 1598 and has witnessed countless moments of intrigue and diplomacy. In 1940, during World War II, the castle wall was hit by shells, creating massive holes, but the framework remained intact.Desktop Version
Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, Utah
Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, Utah
If you"re chasing sunsets and jaw-dropping views, come to Alstrom Point. Located in southern Utah"s Kane County, this spot in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stands at an impressive height of 4,685 feet. Made mostly of Entrada Sandstone, it has the same geological roots as nearby sites like Romana Mesa, its parent peak, and Gunsight Butte, another sandstone summit to the east.Desktop Version
National Park Week continues
National Park Week continues
As National Park Week unfurls its green banners, let"s take a stroll down Sparks Lane, a gem situated within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Established in 1934, the park encompasses over 522,419 acres of wilderness. The forests, which cover most of the park, are home to 1,500 species of flowering plants, 952 algae, 65 species of mammals, and over 240 species of birds, making it an International Biosphere Reserve.Desktop Version
The city of Osaka at night, Japan
The 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 center after the Meiji Restoration in1868, which restored imperial rule to Japan.Desktop Version
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
The Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument is an untamed wilderness of cliffs and canyons in the heart of southern Utah. The Grand Staircase is a sequence of five majestic sandstone cliffs, rising approximately 5,500 feet across the expanse of the monument. Each step records a different era in Earth"s geological history, a vast showcase of changes over 200 million years. Archaeologists have found prehistoric artifacts, petrified wood, and dinosaur fossils which are over 75 million years old. In human history, the Ancestral Puebloan and Fremont people mastered the art of farming in this challenging terrain. They constructed granaries to store and preserve their harvests. Today, it is a popular getaway for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking adventure.Desktop Version