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International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for Biological Diversity
Today we"re celebrating the biodiversity of our planet. What exactly is biodiversity? It refers to the variety of living things, from animals and plants to fungi and microorganisms, in one area. This delicate but vigorous balance in nature is what keeps us all alive. That"s definitely worth celebrating! May 22 was named International Day for Biological Diversity by the United Nations in 2000. Unfortunately, the biodiversity of Earth is slowly decreasing due to climate change, the draining of natural resources, urbanization, and pollution, among other factors. Campaigners are urging governments, businesses and individuals to take action to boost biodiversity, to protect healthy ecosystems that supply us with water, food, medicines, and more. After all, we are blessed with intriguing species such as the Tasmanian snow gum—the tree seen in today"s image—that takes root in one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, the Mount Field National Park in Tasmania, Australia.Desktop Version
The Bahamas
The Bahamas
Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining, and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. For adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 663-foot-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version
World of WearableArt Awards
World of WearableArt Awards
Clothes used to be animal hides and fur. Art used to be stick figures painted on cave walls. Times have changed. Now fashion is a major industry and art can be a lucrative field, too. Today we"re celebrating "wearable art," which blurs genres and has passionate devotees. Curious? Well, check out the World of WearableArt (WOW), which is WOW-ing (sorry) fashion and art fans with its awards show in New Zealand right now. The competition runs till October 16 and features work by global designers, artists, and costumers—it"s New Zealand"s largest theatrical production. The competition is just part of the event, though—there are dancers, musicians, and aerialists, too.Desktop Version
International Day of Human Space Flight
International Day of Human Space Flight
Not so long ago, humanity took its first step beyond Earth. For thousands of years, we gazed at the stars, dreaming of what lay beyond. Then, on April 12, 1961, one man left the planet and changed history forever. That morning, Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin climbed into a small, spherical spacecraft named Vostok 1. The countdown began. The engines ignited. As the rocket roared toward the sky, he called out, "Poyekhali!"—"Let"s go!" And just like that, Earth had its first space traveler.Desktop Version
World Environment Day
World Environment Day
Happy World Environment Day! First celebrated back in 1973, this UN event is now celebrated in more than 143 countries. This year"s theme focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.Desktop Version
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Wavy sandstone ridges stretch across the Caineville Badlands, Utah, resembling nature"s brushstrokes on stone. These formations are made of fine-grained sediment that settled in ancient river deltas and inland seas and later hardened into stone. Over time, erosion carved through the layers, exposing flowing, ripple-like patterns. The sedimentary layers tell a story of shifting climates and ancient landscapes. The barren land, seen in today"s image, may appear lifeless, but during early spring, rainfall blankets the terrain with tiny purple and yellow flowers. Light and shadow shift throughout the day, offering photographers and visitors various angles. While much of the terrain remains rugged, some areas offer easy access, allowing visitors to explore without strenuous hiking.Desktop Version
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.Desktop Version
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
Badlands National Park in South Dakota
As the sun sets over Badlands National Park, the landscape transforms into a stunning display of color. The national park, located in southwestern South Dakota, features a dramatic terrain of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires carved by millennia of wind and water. Spanning over 379 square miles, the park is divided into three main units: the North Unit, home to the visitor center and scenic Badlands Loop Road; and the Stronghold and Palmer Creek units. The park"s dramatic terrain is the result of sedimentary rock layers eroding at a rate of about one inch per year, revealing colorful bands of volcanic ash, silt, and clay. These formations are not only visually striking but also rich in fossils, including remains from the Oligocene Epoch (about 33.9 to 23 million years ago), such as ancient horses, camels, and saber-toothed cats.Desktop Version
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole, found near the center of Lighthouse Reef off the coast of Belize, is one of nature"s most incredible creations. The massive marine sinkhole, 1,043 feet across and 407 feet deep, was formed during the last ice age when a limestone cave system collapsed and rising sea levels flooded the area, leaving behind a striking natural wonder.Desktop Version
Castle Day in Japan
Castle Day in Japan
From Strawberry Day to Cat Day and even Vegetable Day, Japan has a list of faux holidays, which are the clever results of "dajare" or word plays. Today"s date, April 6, makes up the Japanese word for castle, "shiro" from "shi" (4) and "ro" (6). Hence, the celebration of castles. What better opportunity than Castle Day, to learn about the country"s largest and most-visited castle, Himeji Castle? Dating back to 1333, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an advanced defensive design and five National Treasure structures. The castle has also withstood time and nature"s fury, surviving the bombings of World War II and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. Nearly 700 years of glory, local legends, and ghost stories reverberate through the 83 rooms of this hilltop fortress. Would you care to explore?Desktop Version
Aspens in the White River National Forest, Colorado
Aspens in the White River National Forest, Colorado
Slender white trunks reaching skyward and leaves fluttering even in the gentlest breeze—aspen trees are a symbol of the American wilderness. Found across the western states, especially in Utah and Colorado, these trees are the most widespread native species in North America. Their fall foliage is breathtaking, with their leaves turning a vibrant yellow that lights up the landscape, as seen in today"s photo, which was taken in the White River National Forest, Colorado.Desktop Version
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From today, National Hispanic Heritage Month unfurls its vibrant celebrations of Hispanic Americans" contributions to US culture and society. The date coincides with the independence days of several Latin American nations, like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.Desktop Version
National Park Week begins
National Park Week begins
Get ready to lace up your hiking boots, because National Park Week is upon us! Across the country, America"s most stunning landscapes throw their gates wide open, inviting everyone to embrace the great outdoors for free. Throughout the celebration, various programs will be organized by the National Park Service, including ranger-led tours, volunteer opportunities, and educational workshops.Desktop Version
Museum Mile Festival
Museum Mile Festival
New York City"s Metropolitan Museum of Art, known informally as the Met, is one of the world"s preeminent museums. The Met anchors Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue on Manhattan"s Upper East Side that is home to eight museums. Of these, the Met is the biggest, followed by the Guggenheim. All reside within 22 blocks of one another. Today, the city celebrates these curatorial treasures with the Museum Mile Festival, as museums extend their hours and offer free admission to all visitors. Billed as a mile-long celebration of art and culture, the festival also includes outdoor performances along Fifth Avenue.Desktop Version
World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day
"When clouds appear like rocks and towers, the Earth"s refreshed with frequent showers." There"s a whisper of truth to this old proverb for the storm clouds, also known as cumulonimbus or anvil clouds, which are pictured here. Today, on World Meteorological Day, we honor the marvel that is our atmosphere. This observance, first held in 1961, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization and recognizes the vital role meteorology plays in our lives. Weather forecasts may not always appear reliable, but thanks to advances in technology like satellites and supercomputers, they have come a long way. Global weather models provide forecasts for up to 16 days and, the average lead time for tornado warnings is now around 15 minutes. Cheers for the progress made and much more to come!Desktop Version
Celebrating Labor Day
Celebrating Labor Day
Take a load off this Labor Day weekend. One of 11 federal holidays, Labor Day honors America"s workers and is celebrated on the first Monday of September. Its origins are rooted in late 1800s efforts to recognize the contributions the country"s workers, and labor activists ultimately helped establish the 40-hour work week and weekends. President Grover Cleveland made the US holiday official in 1894. Today, many Americans celebrate the long weekend, which is often considered the unofficial end of summer, by grilling, hanging out with friends and family, and going to parades.Desktop Version
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut
West Cornwall Covered Bridge, Connecticut
Covered bridges like West Cornwall Covered Bridge, pictured in today"s image, were designed with roofs and siding to protect their wooden structures from weathering, greatly increasing their durability. While many were built in the 19th century, few have survived to the present day, and the ones that have are often preserved for their historical and visual significance.Desktop Version
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
These fascinating red hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah are best explored on foot! The park"s hiking trails guide you among the world"s largest collection of hoodoos, which are rock spires formed by erosion. The horseshoe-shaped natural amphitheaters create a surreal landscape that changes with the play of sunlight. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Paiute people. Although there is no evidence of them having lived there permanently, Paiute Indians used the Paunsaugunt Plateau for seasonal hunting and gathering. Designated a national park in 1928, Bryce Canyon is dotted with several viewpoints like Inspiration Point, Yovimpa Point, and Rainbow Point, which offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding topography.Desktop Version
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day
Jane Austen, author of "Pride and Prejudice," is one of the best-known writers in English literature, so it"s not a surprise that there are multiple festivals honoring her legacy. The largest is held here, in the English city of Bath, where Austen lived from 1801 to 1806. On September 8, International Literacy Day, the city begins its annual 10-day Jane Austen Festival with hundreds of Austen fans walking the streets dressed in costumes from Britain"s Regency era, in the early 19th century.Desktop Version
Sea Otter Awareness Week
Sea Otter Awareness Week
It"s hard not to smile when you spot a sea otter. Their whiskery faces, busy paws, and thick fur give the impression of a stuffed animal that has come to life and taken to the ocean. The heaviest members of the weasel family, sea otters aren"t just cute. They also play a vital role in the underwater kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check—by eating them.Desktop Version
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
This stunning 71,028-acre coastal haven on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County is a gem of the California coastline. Filled with scenic trails that wind through forests and along cliffs, it boasts breathtaking views and lots of wildlife. Point Reyes National Seashore also has a reputation as the most wind-swept spot on the Pacific Coast and the second-foggiest area in North America, so dress accordingly.Desktop Version
International Womens Day
International Womens Day
Happy International Women"s Day! We celebrate IWD with London"s famous Tate Modern art gallery, lit up in purple. Why purple? The color associated with IWD symbolizes dignity, justice, and loyalty to the cause. This event celebrates women"s achievements in politics, culture, and society. Every year on March 8, educational and cultural activities, demonstrations, campaigns, and discussions highlight the importance of gender equality and women"s rights.Desktop Version
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the decisive Roman victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Ilipa, General Publius Cornelius Scipio built a settlement for veterans on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, in modern-day Spain. It was named Italica and was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The city flourished in the following centuries and was the birthplace of two Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian.Desktop Version
Arches National Park anniversary
Arches National Park anniversary
Red as far as the eye can see and clear blue skies overhead. Welcome to Arches National Park, Utah. The story of this otherworldly landscape starts 65 million years ago when a dry seabed stood here. Over time, geological forces warped and squeezed the land, twisting the sandstone into lumps and bumps. Later, wind and water carved out the arches, pinnacles, fins, and balanced rocks that now stand in this area. The park has more than 2,000 natural stone arches, the highest concentration of these structures anywhere on Earth. In today"s image, we can see two of them: Double Arch, as seen through Cove Arch. The larger arch of Double Arch spans 144 feet and is 112 feet tall, the tallest and second-longest of the park"s arches.Desktop Version
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to the United States, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the transient nature of life. Among popular places to see them are Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Lu Xun Park in Shanghai, and Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version