The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland 6 May 2024

Lightsabers gleam and droids beep; let"s all geek! Today"s image flashes out a filming location from the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, the island of Skellig Michael, off the coast of southwestern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage landmark houses a preserved monastery from the 6th century, founded by early monks. The site"s beehive huts and stone staircases were showcased as the backdrop of a cloistered island on planet Ahch-To, where Jedi Master Luke Skywalker sought refuge in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Skellig Michael"s abundant seabird population, including puffins, inspired the creation of the penguin-like porgs that roost on Ahch-To. So, grab your Wookiee co-pilot, hop in your starship and may the force be strong as you journey through this galactic Earth location not so far away!

© MNStudio/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
Bewitched by the fairy flower
6 May 2025An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia

More Desktop Wallpapers:

17 Jun 2025Maritime forest in Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia, United States
Gateway to Iberia
2 May 2025Striated heron on a Victoria water lily, Pantanal, Brazil
29 Mar 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
24 Aug 2024Notting Hill Carnival
20 Jan 2026Penguin Awareness Day
Stairway to heaven?
Puffins pucker up
30 Dec 2024Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia
It’s party time
‘Night shining’ clouds
2 Jan 2025Ardez village, Graubunden, Switzerland
16 Apr 2025Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
17 Feb 2024Jorvik Viking Festival
One on land, a million in space
A glowing square of squares
4 Aug 2025Great grey owls in their nest, Finland
12 Jan 2026Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
7 Jul 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam
Surrounded by a sea of sand
12 Feb 2026Darwin Day
14 Jun 2024Peggys Cove Lighthouse, Canada
Aug 20, 2023International Lighthouse Weekend
Owl be seeing you
24 Jan 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival
World Rivers Day
27 Mar 2025World Theatre Day
28 Dec 2025Black-and-white ruffed lemur in Madagascar
Lighting the way
19 Apr 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States