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Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Why visit one lake when you can visit 16? Croatia"s Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the largest and oldest in the country, provides that exact opportunity thanks to a unique geological feature. The slopes of the Mala Kapela, Medveđak and Plješevica mountains funnel water into the Plitvice plateau. This water carries precipitated limestone, which gradually accumulates and hardens over time, creating a series of rock barriers called tufa. These barriers form pools, with thin, lacy waterfalls leading from one "lake" to another. This majestic display of geology and hydrology draws over a million visitors to the paths and boardwalks that wind through the lakes—they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. Even in the winter, the lakes retain their beauty, with once-roaring waterfalls frozen in place.Desktop Version
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Bamburgh Castle perches over a black crag of volcanic rock in Northumberland, England. The castle area and the nearby beaches are covered by the region"s distinct sand landforms, the Bamburgh Dunes, seen in the foreground of today"s image. The fortress, once a strategic Anglo-Saxon stronghold, evolved over centuries into the imposing structure seen today. The castle played a pivotal role in defending against the Viking invasion in 993. However, the Norsemen destroyed the original fortification, after which significant enhancements were made during the medieval period. The castle also served as the seat of the ancient Northumbrian kingdom—a medieval Anglo-Saxon kingdom, in present-day Northern England and south-east Scotland. After surviving its share of invasions and attacks, Bamburgh Castle has made its way to the limelight due to its impressive silhouette against the North Sea, having been featured in productions like "Macbeth," "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," and "Ivanhoe."Desktop Version
Cosmic cliffs
Cosmic cliffs
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International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day
It"s time for some black-and-white thinking. January 31 is International Zebra Day, a day to honour these stripey creatures. While all zebras have the iconic black-and-white stripes, there are actually three different species of zebras: plains, mountain and Grévy"s zebras. Today"s snapshot shows Burchell"s zebras, a subspecies of the plains zebra, in Rietvlei Nature Reserve, South Africa. Found across eastern and southern Africa, zebras thrive in savannas, shrublands, woodlands and even mountain regions. They spend most of their time eating—grasses, leaves and shrubs are their favourites—and have been known to travel hundreds of miles in search of food and water. Sadly, all three varieties of zebra are under threat from hunting and habitat destruction, so events like International Zebra Day that draw attention to their plight are more necessary than ever.Desktop Version
Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
Porto Flavia, Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sardinia, Italy
Most ports rely on docks and cranes that extend into the shoreline. Porto Flavia in the Sulcis-Iglesiente region, however, took a completely different approach. This engineering marvel transformed a cliff into a gateway for Sardinia"s ore industry. Mining in Sulcis-Iglesiente has a history dating back thousands of years, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the industrial boom in the 20th century. Lead, zinc, coal, sulphur, barium and silver were extracted from these rugged hills but transporting them was a logistical nightmare. Ore had to be hauled by cart, loaded onto small boats and then transferred to larger ships—a slow, costly and inefficient process.Desktop Version
Farewell Ma’am
Farewell Ma’am
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Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the longest manmade structures in the world. Stretching more than 13,000 miles and dating back thousands of years, the ancient marvel in today"s picture is a series of fortifications spanning rugged mountains, valleys and deserts. Featuring steep trenches and watchtowers, parts of it were designed to keep invaders at bay. Hiking this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique glimpse into this historical landmark. The experience varies from well-preserved sections like Mutianyu to wild, unrestored parts such as Jiankou. Some steps are so high, they"re more like steps on a ladder! The Great Wall of China isn"t just a wall, but a symbol of perseverance and strength.Desktop Version
Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
It"s Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada, a day to commemorate the 1896 discovery of gold at Bonanza Creek. The event set off the Klondike Gold Rush, which attracted thousands of prospectors to the region in search of gold, leading to significant economic and social changes. The population increase led to Yukon separating from the Northwest Territories and the formation of Yukon Territory in 1898.Desktop Version
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival
Music, glitter, flavours, masquerade dancers and colourful feathers—Notting Hill Carnival is back in London. This annual carnival, now in its 58th year, began in 1966 as a small community event to ease racial tensions and celebrate Caribbean heritage. Fast forward to 2024, and it has grown into one of the largest street festivals in the world, drawing around a million visitors eager to soak up the carnival atmosphere. This year, the main action happens on August 25 and 26 when the parade takes place. However, there"s an extra event, the Panorama Steel Band Competition, today. So, dust off your dancing shoes, ready your taste buds and prepare to paint the town red.Desktop Version
50 years of the Endangered Species Act
50 years of the Endangered Species Act
Today is a special milestone for our furry, scaly and feathered friends: the Endangered Species Act is turning 50. This landmark US legislation, signed into law in 1973, has been lending a helping hand to species on the brink for half a decade. The act helped inspire Britain"s own Wildlife and Countryside act of 1981. Who"s that in the spotlight? A humpback whale! Known for their haunting songs and acrobatic breaches, these gentle giants are a success story of the ESA. They were once on the edge of extinction due to whaling and entanglement in fishing gear, but thanks to conservation efforts, their population is making a comeback, from around 5,000 in 1966 to an estimate of 135,000 today.Desktop Version
Festivus
Festivus
Sometimes when stuck with family around the holidays, it might be tempting to give them an earful, like this chinstrap penguin is doing here on the South Sandwich Islands. If that sounds appealing, or if you want a break from mandatory seasonal joy, Festivus might be the holiday for you. The secular holiday was popularised in a "Seinfeld" episode in the show"s final season. The Costanza family has a collection of odd traditions, including putting up an aluminium Festivus pole—for its high weight-to-strength ratio—and airing their year-end personal grievances. Since the episode debuted, the holiday has taken on a life of its own both among fans and people looking for an alternative way to celebrate the season. Those who love Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa are welcome to them, and Festivus is for the rest of us.Desktop Version
Bohemian waxwings
Bohemian waxwings
Among their feathered friends, Bohemian waxwings, clad in their elegant greyish-brown plumage, stand out as the wandering singers of the Northern Hemisphere. Their striking appearance comes from the contrast between their velvety grey body and the vibrant, waxy red tips gracing their secondary wing feathers. If alarmed, they freeze with their bill and neck pointing upwards. In winter they feast upon cotoneaster, juniper and rowan berries—the latter is their favourite. As spring casts its spell, these nomads engage in nesting. The female waxwings craft the nests, laying 2 to 6 bluish-grey eggs. The hatchlings are fed a diet of insects and fruits by both parents. One can easily spot these sociable birds, as they often gather in chirpy flocks in North America and Eurasia.Desktop Version
Giant panda
Giant panda
Do you like scrolling through lighthearted videos of giant pandas wobbling around? These bamboo-munching creatures, with their distinctive black and white coats and playful demeanor, have captivated hearts for years. So much so that in 1961, the World Wide Fund for Nature adopted the animal as its iconic logo. In 2016, pandas were reclassified from an endangered to a vulnerable species. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching have contributed to their declining population in the wild. To curb the threat, the Chinese government built approximately 50 reserves. However, with fewer than 2,000 giant pandas remaining in the wild, the fight to protect them is far from over.Desktop Version
Solo on the savanna
Solo on the savanna
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City Hall, London, England
City Hall, London, England
In London"s City Hall, where politics and policies meet cutting-edge design, the helical staircase makes its mark as more than just a set of steps. Designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, this twisting masterpiece adds a dramatic flair to the glassy building that opened in 2002 and served as the headquarters for the Greater London Authority until 2021. The 500-metre walkway follows the curve of the building to reduce noise pollution and echoes. This spiral structure ascends through the entire ten-storey building, offering visitors an immersive architectural experience. With each curve, the staircase allows people to see across different levels, which is not just a structural feature but was a symbol of government transparency and openness. So, next time you"re in the area, take a spin on this helix of history and marvel at how it elevates the everyday into the extraordinary.Desktop Version
European river otter
European river otter
The European river otter, pictured here, is more than just an adorable face in the wild. Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of northern Africa, these otters thrive in clean rivers, lakes and wetlands, serving as an important indicator of environmental health. These semi-aquatic animals are built for agility, with streamlined bodies, webbed feet and dense fur that keeps them warm even in icy waters. A single square centimetre of their fur can hold more than 70,000 hairs, making it one of nature"s most effective insulators. River otters were once endangered due to pollution and habitat loss. Yet, thanks to conservation efforts, their populations are rebounding in many regions across Europe.Desktop Version
Grand National
Grand National
The Grand National is back in the saddle for another thrilling ride. Scheduled to take place at Aintree Racecourse, the event will see 34 runners tackling 30 fences around 4 1/4 miles for the glory. This annual National Hunt horse race was first run in 1839. From steeplechaser Red Rum"s record-breaking triumphs to heart-stopping photo finishes, the Grand National has provided countless memorable moments for nearly two centuries. Whether you"re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a casual observer, the event has something for everyone. So, saddle up, place your bets and get ready for a day of thrills, spills and plenty of horsepower!Desktop Version
Single file, please!
Single file, please!
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Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Carved into rose-red cliffs, Petra and its crown jewel, Ad-Deir, or "The Monastery," feel like stepping into a real-life Indiana Jones adventure. Tucked in the heart of Jordan"s arid desert landscapes, this ancient city once thrived as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 2nd century BCE. It was also a hub of the spice trade, connecting distant regions like China, Egypt, Greece and India. The city was abandoned for around 500 years before being rediscovered in 1812, earning it the "Lost City" moniker.Desktop Version
Celebrating Charles Darwin
Celebrating Charles Darwin
Today, we celebrate Darwin Day—a shout-out to Charles Darwin and his game-changing ideas about life on Earth. As an English naturalist, geologist and biologist, his theory of natural selection revolutionised our understanding of species, evolution and our role in the natural world. His work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology. This day marks the birthday of Darwin and honours his genius while promoting curiosity, science and critical thinking. From thought-provoking talks to engaging exhibits, this day motivates us to keep exploring.Desktop Version
Christmas Day
Christmas Day
Don"t be surprised if these caribous take flight! Ever since Clement Clarke Moore assigned reindeer to be Santa"s helpers in his 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," caribous—as they are called in North America—have eagerly contributed to the Christmas celebration. It"s no wonder that Father Christmas would pick them. Thanks to their resilient and adaptable features, like their two layers of dense fur or eyes adapted to a wide range of light wavelengths, these mammals are accustomed to diverse environments. You likely won"t see them fly, but you might find a herd migrating from tundra to forest in the North Polar Region, North America, Northern Europe and Siberia. Their hooves can expand or shrink in size depending on the season and the quality of the ground, which keeps their heavy frame, crowned with antlers, standing on stable feet. If you"re celebrating Christmas today, we wish you a merry one.Desktop Version
Beauty beyond imagination
Beauty beyond imagination
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Happy Holi!
Happy Holi!
It"s Holi; get ready to become a walking rainbow and sprinkle joy wherever you go! This festival of colours, spring and love is a cornerstone of Indian and Nepali culture. It is also celebrated in other countries with large Hindu populations, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Suriname, Indonesia and Malaysia. The festivity lasts for a night and a day. It starts on the evening of the last full moon of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually falls in March in the Gregorian calendar. As the sun sets, people gather to light bonfires, a ritual known as Holika Dahan, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The following day, the streets come alive with people splashing each other in colours, giving everyone a vibrant makeover. Are you ready for a dash of colour?Desktop Version
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday
As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and festive decorations, it"s time to remember the true spirit of times like these: generosity and kindness. That"s where Giving Tuesday comes in. This annual holiday, which falls on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, was initiated by the United Nations Foundation and New York"s 92nd Street Y—a cultural organisation and community centre—over ten years ago. Their vision was to make a difference by providing joy to everyone through acts of charity. Generosity is something we can all practise, and there are many ways to become involved, such as volunteering at a local non-profit organisation, 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
Lands End, Cornwall, England
Lands End, Cornwall, England
Windswept cliffs, rugged beauty and dramatic ocean views—welcome to Land"s End in Cornwall, England. Since ancient Greek times, when it was known as "Belerion" or "Place of the Sun," or in Arthurian legends about the lost land of Lyonesse, Land"s End has always been a place of fascination. Land"s End is the most south-westerly point on mainland Britain. It is most famous for being the starting point or end of charity races which run the length of the island of Great Britain from Land"s End to John O"Groats - at Britain"s north-easterly tip.Desktop Version