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Alaska Day
Alaska Day
On October 18, 1867, the Russian Empire transferred the territory of Alaska to the United States of America as a result of negotiations by US Secretary of State William Seward. Referred to as the Alaska Purchase, the United States paid 7.2 million dollars, about two cents per acre, for the land. Today, that date is known as Alaska Day, a commemoration that honors the rich history, cultural tapestry, untamed wilderness, and unwavering resilience of the state.Desktop Version
New York City Marathon
New York City Marathon
The route for the 2022 New York City Marathon starts right here at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, crossing from Staten Island into Brooklyn and eventually coursing through all five boroughs of New York. This photo gives you an idea just how many people will be running today. Because the race starts early on a November morning, many runners show up in layered clothing to beat the typical chill. But once they heat up from running, those layers come off and are often discarded on sidewalks. Race organizers collect the activewear left behind by 50,000 runners, about 26 tons a year, and donate it to charity.Desktop Version
Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Off the coast of East Africa in the archipelago of Zanzibar is the village of Kendwa. This serene village plays a modest role in the islands" fishing industry, with traditional wooden boats, known as dhows, etching patterns across the waters. The local dhow builders offer a glimpse into an artisanal craft that has sailed through generations. Venture deeper and you"ll find lush spice farms where the air tingles with the scent of nutmeg and black pepper. Here, traditional Swahili dishes, including nyama choma, a roasted meat dish, and samaki wa kaupaka, fish with coconut sauce, blend spices with the bounty of the sea and land. As the sun sets, bonfires flicker into life and the island pulses with Taarab, a fusion of African, Arabic, and Indian music. With so much to see, Zanzibar proves that variety really is the spice of life.Desktop Version
National Napping Day
National Napping Day
Feeling sluggish from the effects of daylight saving time? Don"t worry, National Napping Day has you covered! This holiday, introduced in 1999 by Boston University professor William Anthony and his wife, Camille, promotes naps and their short-term benefits to mental alertness. Take a cue from today"s image; this sleepy koala may inspire you to catch some Z"s. These adorable Australian marsupials can sleep up to 20 hours a day, which helps them conserve the little energy they get from their eucalyptus-based diet. Koalas move slowly when awake, spend most of their time tucked into nooks in trees, and have a lower body temperature than other animals of their size. Let"s find some time today to sneak off to a peaceful spot to experience the benefits of Napping Day.Desktop Version
It s Mountain Day in Japan
It s Mountain Day in Japan
It makes a mountain of sense for Japan to celebrate Mountain Day, which occurs each August 11. First celebrated in 2016, it"s Japan"s newest holiday. Nearly three-quarters of the country is made up of mountains, thanks to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire volcanic zone. Japan"s four major islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—all have ranges running through them.Desktop Version
Marshland, Gloucester, MA
Marshland, Gloucester, MA
Lit by bright New England sunshine, the salt-tolerant grass growing here really stands out against the turquoise sea water lapping against it. Salt marshes are important coastal wetlands that protect shorelines from erosion, are major contributors to the aquatic food web, and provide nurseries for birds, fish, and other wildlife.Desktop Version
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Okavango Delta, Botswana
At a glance, this might look like some ordinary swamp, but the Okavango Delta in the African nation of Botswana is a veritable miracle of nature. Unlike most rivers, the Okavango River doesn"t drain into any sea or ocean, but rather empties into the open savanna. Thousands of elephants, and just about every other type of African animal you can name, owe their existence to this annual wetland. "Annual," because the marshland of the delta swells threefold to its full size but once a year, between March and July, when the seasonal rains from the highlands of Angola flow downhill 750 miles until they flood the arid savanna of northwest Botswana. The wildlife drawn to this life-sustaining water includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, hyenas, crocodiles, impalas, and of course elephants, the planet"s largest land animals.Desktop Version
Bald cypress trees in Georgia
Bald cypress trees in Georgia
Fall foliage is the hallmark of autumn, when thoughts turn to flannel and corduroy, pumpkin spice and s"mores. Sunny days and crisp nights invite us to step outside to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. While some may consider the maples of New England the leaf-peeping gold standard, others would give the prize to the aspens of the Rocky Mountains or the cypress trees of the South.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
Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Today we are celebrating the anniversary of Gateway National Park, which was established on February 22, 2018, in St. Louis, Missouri. The park, which lies along a picturesque stretch of the Mississippi River, commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s idea of a continental nation. At its heart stands the Gateway Arch, a breathtaking 630-foot-tall structure that has become the ultimate symbol of St. Louis. Constructed of stainless steel, it holds the distinction of being the world"s tallest arch and Missouri"s tallest accessible structure. Finnish American architect Eero Saarinen dreamed up the design back in 1947, and by October 28, 1965, his vision had been brought to life. The arch"s futuristic design has long been viewed as a symbol of the automobile era, representing the modern, urban landscape, and the promise of a technologically advanced future.Desktop Version
Ansel Adams birthday
Ansel Adams birthday
Born on this day in 1902, Ansel Adams remains one of the most celebrated photographers in history, renowned for his striking black-and-white images of the American wilderness. His work immortalized the grandeur of national parks like California"s Yosemite, pictured here, showcasing the raw beauty of nature with depth and clarity. A pioneer of "pure photography," Adams believed in capturing a scene"s natural essence without manipulation, a principle he championed through his development of the Zone System—a technique to control exposure and contrast.Desktop Version
Paralympic Games begin in Paris
Paralympic Games begin in Paris
The Summer Paralympic Games get underway in Paris today. Over 4,000 athletes with a range of disabilities from all around the world will meet in the French capital to compete across 549 different events. For its first time hosting the Summer Paralympics, the city has got something special in store for the opening ceremony. Delegations from 184 nations will parade down the iconic Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, rather than entering a stadium. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. Twenty-three nations took part, competing in eight sports, including wheelchair basketball and Para athletics.Desktop Version
Daylight saving time
Daylight saving time
Just like the European hare, we get a little more hop in our steps this time of year—and a bit more daylight as well. It"s the second Sunday of March, when most Americans and Canadians "spring forward," setting their clocks ahead one hour in observance of daylight saving time (DST). Then on the first Sunday of November, we"ll "fall back" by turning our clocks back an hour.Desktop Version
International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day
It"s time for some black-and-white thinking. January 31 is International Zebra Day, celebrating the stripey creatures pictured here in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. There are three species of zebra: plains, mountain, and Grévy"s, and several subspecies. The mother and foal on our homepage are Burchell"s zebras, a subspecies of the plains zebra. Found across eastern and southern Africa, zebras thrive in savannas, shrublands, woodlands, and mountain regions. They spend most of their time eating grasses, leaves, and shrubs, and can travel hundreds of miles in search of food and water. Sadly, all three species are under threat due to hunting and habitat destruction. International Zebra Day aims to raise awareness of conservation efforts, to help protect these striking creatures.Desktop Version
Flower of Life symbol drawn in snow
Flower of Life symbol drawn in snow
German artist Michael Uy created this "Flower of Life" geometric pattern in the snow in Brandenburg. Preparations began about a week before the snow"s arrival, when Uy hammered 19 wooden posts into a field, carefully measuring the space between each post. After the snowfall, he walked near-perfect circles around all 19 pillars, using a string to keep an equal distance from the posts. The artist then used a broom to further remove the snow from his footprints and reveal the lines of the flower nearly 200 feet across. Uy"s piece was fully visible only when the sun was low. And only until the next snow or warm day. Luckily, a drone was dispatched to snap this photograph.Desktop Version
World Laughter Day
World Laughter Day
Everyone loves a good giggle, but did you know that laughter is also good for you? Today is World Laughter Day, which highlights the healing benefits of laughing, both physically and emotionally. Some studies have shown that laughing can boost the immune system, elevate mood, and reduce pain. It turns out the old adage is true—laughter really is the best medicine.Desktop Version
Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square, Manhattan
"These streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you." Alicia Keys sure knows how to serenade the vibrant, bustling life of the Big Apple. Today"s homepage image takes us to Union Square in lower Manhattan. At this historic intersection, you can find statues of George Washington—the oldest statue in any park in NYC—and Abraham Lincoln, crafted by the sculptor Henry Kirke Brown. In 1882, workers exercised their rights to free speech and assembly, organizing the first Labor Day parade here. In 1997, Union Square was recognized as a National Historic Landmark due to its importance in US labor history. These days, you"re more likely to see street chess players, musicians, skateboarders, dance crews, and vendors of all types in the square.Desktop Version
National Bison Day
National Bison Day
When temperatures plunge, the American bison couldn"t care less. These burly mammals are ready for snow with their shaggy coats and massive bodies weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Our homepage bison are pictured in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, home to one of the largest and oldest herds in the country. Bison have roamed here since prehistoric times.Desktop Version
SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
Deep in the snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland is a city that claims to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a gateway to the Arctic Circle and a destination where reality and folklore merge. Visitors can watch the Northern Lights, explore the Arctic wilderness, and experience the magic of Christmas at various Santa-themed attractions, including SantaPark, an underground theme park designed to emulate the cavern home of the man himself, and the Santa Claus Village. The entrance to SantaPark, lit by glowing lights, is pictured on our homepage today. Other attractions in Rovaniemi include a hotel built from snow and ice, a popular ski resort, and horse sleigh rides around a vast frozen lake.Desktop Version
The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
In today"s image, the sun encroaches on the Roaches, a rocky ridge in the Peak District, northern England. Its strange name comes from the French "les roches," which means "the rocks." Rising to a height of over 1,600 feet, the ridge is a popular destination for climbers and hikers in the Peak District National Park. It offers stunning views over the moorland and, if you"re lucky, you may spot a wallaby! A number of these Australian marsupials escaped from a nearby private zoo in the 1930s, and there are still recorded sightings of the descendants of the original wallabies.Desktop Version
1934 Labor Day parade, Gastonia, North Carolina
1934 Labor Day parade, Gastonia, North Carolina
Our historical Labor Day photo shows striking textile workers taking to the streets of Gastonia, North Carolina, voicing their grievances and seeking support for their cause. By the time of this 1934 strike, the textile industry had been struggling for years to keep pace with the economic times, and workers were struggling as their wages were cut while their workloads increased. Things came to a head after the National Industrial Recovery Act became law in 1933, leading to the formation of the Textile Industry Committee meant to represent the interests of business owners, consumers, and workers—but this only led to shortened workweeks, effectively reducing wages by 25%. Workers rushed to join the United Textile Workers union to get their voices heard and demand improved conditions.Desktop Version
World Parrot Day
World Parrot Day
World Parrot Day was started in 2004 and is celebrated every May 31 to bring attention to the birds" plight in the wild. These long-lived, charismatic, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate creatures are threatened by habitat loss, competition from invasive species, and trapping for the pet trade. Indeed, the qualities that make them darlings of the animal world also make them attractive as pets for people.Desktop Version
Happy Pi Day!
Happy Pi Day!
They say the only constant in life is change. In mathematics, however, there are many constants and today, we"re celebrating perhaps the most famous of them all: pi. Represented by the symbol π, this tasty-sounding number is the ratio of a circle"s circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14159. Every March 14, mathematics fans across the world get baking to mark Pi Day with a pie. It began in 1988, when physicist Larry Shaw connected the date (3/14) with the first three digits of π. Today, mathematicians and enthusiasts celebrate Pi Day with pie eating and pi reciting. Did you know that when your clock strikes 1:59 today, you will be three decimal places closer to the real value of pi? Pi is everywhere, even in nature. Pictured here is a bodhi tree which has grown over an arch into the shape of the pi symbol at Wat Phra Ngam, a temple in Ayutthaya, Thailand. Whether you"re a math geek or just in it for the treats, Pi Day is for everyone to enjoy!Desktop Version
Lands End, Cornwall, England
Lands End, Cornwall, England
Windswept cliffs, rugged beauty, and dramatic ocean views—welcome to Land"s End in Cornwall, England. Since ancient Greek times, when it was known as "Belerion" or "Place of the Sun," or in Arthurian legends about the lost land of Lyonesse, Land"s End has always been a place of fascination. Land"s End is the most southwestern point on mainland Britain. It"s often the starting point or end of charity races that run the length of the island of Great Britain from Land"s End to John o"Groats at Britain"s northeastern tip.Desktop Version
Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous Peoples Day
We"re celebrating Indigenous Peoples" Day by peering through the sculpture called "Circle of Sacred Smoke" aka "Wind Circle" or "Circle Wind" at Devils Tower, one of the most famous rock monoliths in the US. The "Circle," sculpted by Japanese artist Junkyu Muto and installed in 2008, is the third of seven "peace sculptures" placed around the world. Twelve feet high and made of white marble, it"s intended to evoke a puff of smoke from a Native American ceremonial pipe.Desktop Version