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15 Jan 2025266 years of the British Museum

January 15, 1759, marked the opening of a place that would become the pride of London, a hub of global history and a keeper of countless stories: the British Museum. For the first time in the world, a national museum flung its doors wide open, offering free access to knowledge and culture for all. The story begins with Sir Hans Sloane, an Anglo-Irish physician and avid collector. His collection of more than 71,000 items, ranging from books and manuscripts to botanical samples and antiquities, formed the museum"s foundation. Fast forward 266 years, the museum houses more than 8 million objects, the largest collection of artefacts in the world, although only about 1% of the collection is currently on display. Its treasures span continents and millennia, from the Rosetta Stone—key to deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs—to the Parthenon Marbles, the Benin Bronzes and samurai armour.Desktop Version

International Nurses Day

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16 Apr 2024Union Square, Manhattan, New York, USA

"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 in the United States. Today"s homepage image takes us to a spot in the City that Never Sleeps—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, organising the first Labour Day parade in Union Square. In 1997, United States Department of the Interior recognised this park as a National Historic Landmark due to its importance in US labour 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

24 Jan 2025Thorrablot: The Icelandic midwinter festival

What could be better than warming up winter with a feast that"s a little wild and a lot of fun? Thorrablot, Iceland"s midwinter festival, invites you to dive headfirst into tradition. This celebration of survival, culture, and community, which dates to the Viking Age, was once a way for Icelanders to honour Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Today, people celebrate by gathering to feast on an array of local delicacies, including fermented shark, smoked lamb, rye bread and shots of Brennivín—often called "black death" schnapps.Desktop Version

19 Sep 2023Splügen Pass, Switzerland

With their twists and turns, record heights and breathtaking vistas, mountain roads like Umling La and Pico de Veleta are steeped in history. One such route of the Lepontine Alps—Splügen Pass—is pictured here today. Located on the border of Switzerland and Italy, over 2,114-metre-high pass is one of the highest paved roads in Europe. Although its modern form was built between 1818-1823, the Splügen Pass is rich in history with links to Roman times. The pass has been much quieter since the nearby San Bernardino road tunnel opened in 1967. The now quiet pass, which has 51 marked hairpin bends, remains closed during winter. So, if spectacular mountainside views and picturesque lakes tickle your fancy, you can enjoy this ascent between June and mid-October. Has your interest in a Swiss-sational time "peaked" yet?Desktop Version

5 Feb 2025Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Being the "black sheep" isn"t always a bad thing—just ask the Scottish Blackface, seen here in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. With its striking dark features and a knack for thriving in places others wouldn"t, this British breed has turned the idiom on its head. Far from an outcast, it"s the backbone of Scotland"s rural life and a true champion of the hills and moors. Interestingly, the Blackface sheep didn"t originate in Scotland but south of the Anglo-Scottish border. The breed"s history is fascinating, and varieties such as the large-framed Perth and the medium-framed Lanark types are found across the United Kingdom. Though it"s the most common breed in the region, the Blackface sheep has spread across the world. Its coarse fleece is perfect for making durable products like carpets and tweeds—definitely not your average sweater material.Desktop Version

30 Jun 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Among untamed rainforests, rice paddies and steep ravines lies the village of Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, Indonesia. According to legend, a Hindu priest, Rsi Markandaya, arrived at the island of Bali in the 8th century, discovering an area abundant in medicinal herbs and plants. The name of Ubud derives from the word "ubad," meaning medicine. Nestled within the verdant landscape, the village is rich in Hindu temples and bountiful in local mythology. The mythical character seen in today’s image is Barong, a panther-like creature, the king of spirits and a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The Barong dance, performed in a decorated animal mask, is native to Bali.Desktop Version

The other continent Down Under

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Protecting the gentle giants

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18 Mar 2024Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia

Over millions of years, the dazzling sandstone formation known as Elephant Rock was carved by nature. Thanks to the wind and water erosion, this 52-metre-high rock near the city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia took on the shape of an elephant and has become a prominent landmark in the region. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow upon the red-hued mammoth and the golden sand of the surrounding desert.Desktop Version

Underwater underground

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27 Sep 2023Via Krupp, Capri, Italy

Via Krupp, a historical pathway on the island of Capri, Italy, is renowned for its dramatic serpentine design. Constructed between 1900 and 1902 by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp, the footpath connects the town of Capri to Marina Piccola beach, which allowed Krupp to access his private properties back in the day. The pathway"s intricate layout, with its sharp turns and steep inclines, was an engineering marvel of its time. Via Krupp"s panoramic vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Faraglioni rock formations and the lush landscape of the island have drawn admiration for generations. Due to concerns over preservation and safety, because of falling rocks, the pathway has faced intermittent closures, though it reopened in June this year for the first time in nine years.Desktop Version

26 Mar 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam

Welcome to Hang Rai, a blend of ancient rock formations and vibrant coral reefs! Also called Rai Cave, this cavern is part of the Vinh Hy Bay—enclosed by Nui Chua National Park—in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam. The area"s natural coral reefs are surrounded by rock formations, that are carefully stacked upon each other to form a group of caves. One origin of the name "Hang Rai" or "Rai Cave" comes from otters (rai) that were occasionally seen seeking shelter in the cave. Another explanation is attributed to the abundance of rai trees in the area, whose oil was used to waterproof boats. The landscape has an awe-inspiring sight both under and above water: colourful corals for deep divers and a scenic sunset for those who like camping in the sea breeze.Desktop Version

21 Jan 2025Squirrel Appreciation Day

What"s that long, bushy tail scurrying across the branches? Chances are, it"s a squirrel. These little rodents are found across most of the globe, and today is their special day: Squirrel Appreciation Day. This unofficial holiday was started by a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator to encourage people to leave out seeds and nuts for these critters. From the tiny least pygmy squirrel—just 14 centimetres long—to the Bhutan giant flying squirrel at more than a metre, these mammals come in all shapes and sizes.Desktop Version

29 Jun 2024Pride in London

Parades, parties and rainbows everywhere—Pride in London is back for another colourful celebration of love and diversity! This annual event"s history traces back to 1972, just three years after the Stonewall riots galvanised the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. Over the decades, it"s been a voice of protest against injustices like Section 28—a series of now-repealed laws prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality"—and a stage for joyous celebration. In 1992, London first held EuroPride and bewitched a crowd of 100,000 with the message of love and equality. Fast forward to 2024, and Pride in London stands as the largest pride festival in the UK, with an incredible 1.5 million visitors estimated to have attended in recent years.Desktop Version

A one-of-a-kind splash

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25 Sep 2023Sea otters

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. Native to the Pacific Ocean, these heaviest members of the weasel family can be found along the coast from Japan to Mexico. They aren"t just cute though, they also play a vital role in the kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check. Once numbered as high as 300,000, their worldwide population had dropped to fewer than 2,000 after widespread hunting. International protections were put into place in 1911 and numbers have rebounded to around 125,000, but they still remain endangered. While some habitats never recovered, others have emerged in entirely new locations, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve that"s pictured here. In 1995, five sea otters were spotted in Glacier Bay and today there are over 8,000 that hunt, play and raise pups in the kelp-abundant waters.Desktop Version

18 Aug 2024The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

Every year, since 1983, garlic lovers and culinary adventurers from around the globe flock to the Isle of Wight for a festival that"s as aromatic as it is appetising—The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. This quirky celebration of all things garlic is taking place near Newchurch village on the Isle of Wight, from August 17-18. From traditional garlic bread to more adventurous offerings like garlic fudge, garlic ice cream and garlic beer, there"s something to satisfy every palate. The festival is also a hub of entertainment and activities for all ages, with live music filling the air. Kids can enjoy face painting, garlic-themed games, and even garlic bulb planting workshops. For those who can"t get enough garlic in their lives, the event offers ample opportunities to stock up.Desktop Version

21 Mar 2024International Day of Forests

Today we"re branching out and rooting for woodlands to celebrate the International Day of Forests! Established by the UN 11 years ago today, this day draws attention to the need to preserve and appreciate these essential ecosystems. Covering over 30% of the land on Earth, woodlands around the world contain an incredible variety of trees; there are thought to be over 60,000 species in total. Forests play a crucial role in supplying essential resources like food, water and medicines. Featured here is the Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in Uganda, which is home to 160 species of trees and 100 species of ferns, as well as an extraordinary 50% of the world"s mountain gorilla population. The forest has thickets of bamboo growing between the trees, making access on foot difficult, giving this Impenetrable Forest its name.Desktop Version

7 Jan 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand

Are you ready to rock the new year? Today is Old Rock Day, a day for celebrating and learning about old rocks and fossils. Although rocks are common, few of us take the time to consider how amazing they are. Forged in volcanoes or moulded by millennia of pressure, these solid masses of minerals hold the key to understanding how our planet formed. Rocks can also contain fossils, the remnants of long-extinct organisms, which give scientists clues about what creatures and plants have lived on Earth during its 4.5-billion-year history. The United Kingdom, with its rich geological diversity, provides a front-row seat to the ancient forces that shaped our planet. On the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon, rocks over 180 million years old tell tales of dinosaurs, ancient seas and volcanic activity. And don"t forget the Giant"s Causeway in Northern Ireland, with its impressive columns of basalt.Desktop Version

30 Jan 2025Rolands Breach, Spain

High up in the Pyrenees, there is a gap in the mountains. More than 90 metres tall and 39 metres wide, Roland"s Breach, featured here today, is a sight to behold. But who was Roland? Count Roland was a Frankish military leader during Charlemagne"s reign in the 8th century. Legend has it that, after being defeated in battle, Roland cut a gap in the mountains—either to destroy his sword or to catch one last glimpse of France.Desktop Version

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