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Sep 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week

We"re celebrating Sea Otter Awareness Week with this laid-back little guy in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. They"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food and using rocks to crack open shellfish, one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 sea otters in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for their dense fur for almost two centuries. By 1911, it is thought that only around 2,000 sea otters were left. Thankfully, an international hunting ban and conservation efforts have helped them rebound in their historic habitat to an estimated 125,000. Despite this success, some populations continue to struggle, and sea otters are still an endangered species. So, unlike our homepage star, we can"t relax on sea otter conservation just yet.Desktop Version

Nov 28, 2023Giving Tuesday

As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and festive decorations, it"s good to remember the true spirit of times like these: generosity and kindness. That"s where Giving Tuesday comes in. This annual holiday on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving was created by the United Nations Foundation and New York"s 92nd Street Y—a cultural organization and community center—in 2012. Their vision was to make a difference by providing joy to everyone through acts of charity. Generosity is something we can all practice, whether by volunteering at a non-profit organization, shelter or food bank, donating to a charity, or simply giving a voice to people in need in your community. So, let"s jump on board with the millions of kind souls, shake hands, and share warm wishes far and wide!Desktop Version

Sep 28, 2024National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day takes place every fourth Saturday of September. Today is all about preserving public lands, which can be anything from national parks to urban green spaces. On this day, entry fees to many federal lands are waived, and those who participate in conservation activities like cleanups or restoring historic structures receive free entry coupons for future visits to these locations. This day has grown substantially since it began in 1994. Its first celebration was started by three national agencies and drew 700 volunteers. By 2010, the number of volunteers had increased to 170,000, spreading across more than 2,000 sites.Desktop Version

Apr 14, 2024Bowling Ball Beach in Mendocino County, California

Welcome to nature"s bowling alley. Bowling Ball Beach on the Mendocino Coast in California is named after the striking rock formations strewn across the shore. These sandstone balls—a phenomenon known as concretions—formed over millions of years as sedimentary layers built up around a central core of sand and stone held together by mineral cements. Erosion gradually wore away the outer layers to expose the spherical shapes we see today. This created a fascinating spectacle that only appears at low tide. Concretions are rare, and there has been plenty of wild speculation about where they come from, with some believing them to be extraterrestrial debris while others wondering if they are dinosaur fossils. The answer, however, is quite simple: it is the forces of nature at play.Desktop Version

Nov 11, 2022Veterans Day

On the National Mall in Washington, DC, just north of the Reflecting Pool, is a sculpture honoring the women who served during the Vietnam War. The military efforts of women, less visible than those of men, are commemorated by the Vietnam Women"s Memorial, featured today on Veterans Day. While Memorial Day honors those who died during military service, Veterans Day recognizes the service of all veterans, whether or not they served during a war. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, was originally known as Armistice Day and coincides with the anniversary of the end of World War I. For this reason, other countries also observe today as a holiday.Desktop Version

Feb 13, 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia

At Lake Tyrrell, in southern Australia, the sky meets the Earth in a dazzling display. The state of Victoria"s largest salt lake was formed around 120,000 years ago. Over time, climate changes caused water levels to drop; these days, the lake is normally dry, except in winter when it"s covered in about 2 inches of water. The name "Tyrrell" comes from the local Wergaia word for "sky," a nod to the Boorong Aboriginal People"s interest in astronomy. Spanning more than 70 square miles, Lake Tyrrell is a haven for wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, and various reptiles.Desktop Version

Jan 29, 2024Golling Waterfall, Salzburg, Austria

This chilly scene captures Austria"s stunning Golling Waterfall, less than 20 miles south of the city of Salzburg. Tumbling down in two stages from the mouth of the Schwarzbachfall cave, the 249-foot fall is a sight to behold in every season—whether it"s framed by the lush greenery of spring or the icy embrace of winter. This region is known for its natural wonders and is also home to the world’s biggest ice cave, Eisriesenwelt, and the narrow Salzachöfen Gorge, considered to be the birthplace of white-water kayaking. Whether you are into hiking, photography, or just looking to spend some quality time in nature, this is a great Austrian destination.Desktop Version

Feb 28, 2024Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England

Bamburgh Castle perches on a crag of volcanic rock, overlooking sand dunes and the coast of Northumberland, England. The fortress, once a strategic Anglo-Saxon stronghold, evolved over centuries into the imposing structure seen today. The site was the seat of the ancient Northumbrian kingdom—an early medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom covering present-day northern England and southeast Scotland. The original castle was destroyed by invading Vikings in 993 and a new castle was built here by the Normans. Today"s castle is the result of various restorations in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. After surviving its share of attacks, Bamburgh Castle has made its way to the limelight due to its impressive silhouette against the North Sea, featuring in productions like "Macbeth," "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," and "Ivanhoe."Desktop Version

Jul 25, 2022National Merry-Go-Round Day

Today we"re celebrating a necessary staple of fairs, carnivals, and boardwalks: the merry-go-round. You may know it as a carousel, like the Golden Gallopers Carousel at the seaside in Brighton, England, seen in today"s photo. The word "carousel" is possibly derived from the Spanish "carosella," meaning "little war." Carousels have a history that goes back centuries, with roots in medieval jousting competitions. As the war game grew in popularity, commoners without horses wanted to participate, and carousels with wooden horses soon appeared at fairgrounds. The popularity of carousels led to many advancements over the years, including the up and down galloping menagerie of animals real and imagined, and the instantly recognizable music that became widespread after 1803.Desktop Version

Mar 12, 2025Château 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

Nov 9, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today"s image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic fortified village known as a ksar, in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. Perched on a hillside by the Ounila River, this village is a cluster of buildings encircled by a protective wall, complete with towers and a gate.Desktop Version

Oct 2, 2023World Architecture Day

Did you know that the name Louis Vuitton is linked with more than just fashion? The eye-catching structure in today"s image is the Louis Vuitton Foundation, an art museum and cultural center in Paris, France. The extravagant building opened in 2014, the result of a collaboration between the luxury goods company"s CEO, Bernard Arnault, and renowned architect Frank Gehry. Gehry drew inspiration from iconic Parisian buildings, including the glass-roofed 19th-century Grand Palais exhibition hall, and applied concepts from 19th-century English landscape gardens.Desktop Version

Mar 1, 2024Womens History Month

Every March, we celebrate Women"s History Month, a tribute to the generations of women who have shaped our past and are inspiring our present. Today, let"s take a moment to highlight a crucial step that was taken for a more representative democracy—the women"s suffrage movement. This image shows a sea of determined faces in a 1915 Manhattan suffrage parade. Pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and Lucy Stone spearheaded this effort, which culminated in the historic 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. Over a hundred years later, women now hold 28% of seats in Congress, a dramatic leap forward from the past and a reminder of progress still to be made.Desktop Version

Jul 20, 2024International Moon Day

Today we"re celebrating small steps and giant leaps—it"s International Moon Day. This day honors the legacy of the Apollo 11 mission. Initially celebrated as National Moon Day, it was recognized by the United Nations in 2021. Human civilizations have gazed at the sky for millennia, contemplating the origins and mysteries of the moon. The advent of space exploration transformed it into the target of numerous missions.Desktop Version

May 10, 2024Misool, Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia

This pristine aquatic sanctuary so pristine that it feels like a secret whispered by the ocean itself. Misool is an island of almost 800 square miles within the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. The archipelago comprises four main islands, including Misool, Waigeo, Batanta, and Salawati. Here, the waves caress the powder-white sands, while a kaleidoscope of marine life swims beneath the surface. Raja Ampat is part of the Coral Triangle, a remote ocean wilderness that is home to hundreds of species of reef-building corals alongside marine turtles, sharks, whales, dugongs, dolphins, and thousands of species of reef fish. The archipelago is dotted with Marine Protected Areas, of which Misool is the largest, and includes nesting beaches for green and hawksbill turtles. Surrounded by a "no-take zone" with fishing and hunting activities banned and a shark and manta ray sanctuary, Misool offers hope for the future of our oceans.Desktop Version

Sep 8, 2023International 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

May 20, 2024World Bee Day

We"re really buzzing: Today is World Bee Day, a chance to celebrate these industrious insects and the vital role they play in biodiversity and agriculture. Bees come in a range of sizes, from just 0.08 inches all the way up to 2.5 inches, and there are over 20,000 known species. One of the most important pollinators, they help keep trees, flowers, and crops alive, helping to secure food chains as well as boosting biodiversity. It"s no overstatement to say that bees are vital for humans" survival.Desktop Version

Aug 8, 2024Spotted owlet, Bangkok, Thailand

Could you win a staring contest with this spotted owlet? These primarily nocturnal owls are sometimes mobbed during the day by birds trying to defend their territory from predators. With their piercing yellow eyes, the small owls will stare down intruders, bob their heads, and emit a loud "chirurrr-chirurrr-chirurrr" screech, sometimes likened to laughter or chuckling.Desktop Version

Sep 15, 2022Hispanic Heritage Month

We"re kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with this beautiful mural celebrating the contributions made to the Buffalo, New York, region by the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Artist, community activist, and educator Betsy Casañas, with the assistance of many local artists, created this mural called "Homeland, Perhaps It Is Because I Wish to See You Fly, That My Flight Continues to Be Yours." Its subjects highlight local cultural heritage, including portrayals of agricultural production and industrial work. Through conversations with members of the community, Casañas incorporated symbolism inspired by the mixed and integrated Latinx community of Buffalo.Desktop Version

Dec 7, 2024National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Today, the country remembers "a date which will live in infamy." President Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke these words to Congress in 1941, the day after Japan"s attack on the Pearl Harbor naval base in Oahu, Hawaii. The destruction inflicted on the US Pacific Fleet is one of military history"s most devastating surprise attacks. More than 3,500 US servicepeople were killed or wounded, and eight battleships were destroyed or damaged in less than two hours. Following Roosevelt"s speech came a declaration of war and the entrance of the US into World War II. Congress named December 7 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in 1994.Desktop Version

Sep 24, 2024Skaftafell, Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

In Iceland"s Skaftafell, fall isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. From glaciers to waterfalls, like the one featured here today, to northern lights, this area in Vatnajökull National Park is a showcase of nature"s raw beauty. Skaftafell"s dramatic landscape was formed over thousands of years by the fierce interplay of volcanic fire and glacial water. Here, the glacier Skaftafellsjökull, a branch of Iceland"s largest ice cap Vatnajökull, stretches out like a frozen river, inviting visitors for guided hikes. Then there"s Svartifoss, another waterfall in the park, fed by glacial meltwater. Surrounded by dark lava columns resembling a heart from afar, this waterfall inspired the design of Iceland"s National Theatre and the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík.Desktop Version

Oct 30, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

If you"re looking for a Halloween destination that combines history with a hefty dose of hauntings, Edinburgh Castle is the place to be. Positioned high on an extinct volcano, the castle"s royal connections go back nearly 1,000 years, and its walls have witnessed wars, royal births, executions, and other dramas. But what really sets it apart, is its reputation as one of Scotland"s most haunted spots.Desktop Version

Mar 31, 2024Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Do you like your eggs boiled or painted? The practice of painting chicken eggs, which originates from Persian traditions, was adopted by Christians in the early 17th century to commemorate this holiday, also called Pascha. Hungarian artist, Tünde Csuhaj—living and working in the small city of southern Hungary, Szekszárd—has mastered the craft. The internationally recognized egg-painter developed her own etching technique to create lace-like patterns. The meticulous designs appear on all sorts of eggs, including chicken, goose, swan, and even emu or ostrich eggs. The intricate motifs of incredible craftsmanship are often shown at national and international fairs and exhibitions. Are you inspired? Grab a paintbrush and test your egg-painting skills.Desktop Version

May 21, 2024International Tea Day

There"s nothing quite like a nice cup of tea. Whether you like Darjeeling, Earl Grey, oolong, matcha, or English breakfast, today"s the day to celebrate this beloved brew: May 21 is International Tea Day. People have been drinking tea for at least 5,000 years. The drink originated in China, but in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was introduced to Western merchants, who helped to spread it around the world. It is now the second-most consumed drink in the world after water.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, Shenandoah National Park spans over 200,000 acres. 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.Desktop Version

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