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

The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland

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
6 May 2026Thunderstorm above the plains, Bulgaria

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Where is this ethereal mountain?
30 May 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
26 Sep 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
21 Dec 2025Winter solstice
Heavenly hot springs
24 Jun 2026Pollinator Week
Dream world
Wind powered ice racing
23 Jun 2026Mount Fuji on Honshu Island, Japan
27 Jul 2024Cowes Week
25 Jun 2026Buildings on Grand-Place Square in Brussels, Belgium
15 Jun 2025Happy Fathers Day!
1 Jun 2024Pride Month
27 Mar 2026World Theatre Day
So good, they built it twice
25 Feb 2026Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, United States
A kiss and a sigh
What are these beautiful sandy waves?
World Rivers Day
An island crossroad of culture
12 Aug 2024World Elephant Day
14 May 2025Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
2 Sep 2025Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
13 Dec 2025Merced River, Yosemite National Park, California, United States
9 Aug 2024Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
20 Oct 2023International Sloth Day
Taking a New Year nap
5 Dec 2023Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles, Bavaria, Germany
Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
21 Sep 2025Sea Otter Awareness Week