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World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day
"When clouds appear like rocks and towers, the Earth"s refreshed with frequent showers"—there"s a whisper of truth to this old proverb for the storm clouds, also known as cumulonimbus or anvil clouds, which are pictured here. Today, on World Meteorological Day, we honour the marvel that is our atmosphere. This observance, which was first held in 1961, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation in 1950. But this day is more than just a nod to history; it is all about recognising the vital role meteorology plays in our lives. Weather forecasts may not always appear fully reliable, but thanks to advances in technology like satellites and supercomputers, they have come a long way. Because of these advancements, global weather models provide forecasts for up to 16 days and, the average lead time for tornado warnings has gone from -15 minutes in 1974 to around 15 minutes today. Cheers for the progress made and much more to come!Desktop Version
South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales
South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales
Built on the rugged cliffs of Holy Island, Wales, the South Stack Lighthouse stands watch over the deep waters of the Irish Sea. The 28-metre-tall white tower has guided sailors since its completion in 1809; it provides safe passage for ships on the Dublin-Holyhead-Liverpool route. When it was built, sperm whale oil was used to light the lamps; however, over the years, the mechanism has been upgraded to more advanced technology like LED bulbs and Fresnel lenses. Automated in 1984, the lighthouse continues to serve as a vital navigational aid, with its powerful beam shining up to 28 miles. As the sun sets and the sky fills with colours, the silhouette of the South Stack Lighthouse in the dusk makes for a stunning sight. Visitors brave the 400-step descent down the steep cliff face to explore the lighthouse, including its engine room and exhibition area.Desktop Version
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
Rocks and sand in the Sahara, Algeria
From the Mediterranean coast to the vast Sahara desert, Algeria in North Africa has a wide variety of landscapes. Today, we"re exploring the area around the Tassili n"Ajjer plateau. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its rock formations and cave art. More than 15,000 ancient engravings, some dating back 12,000 years, depict scenes of daily life, hunting and mystical beings. After checking out this desert landscape, it"s time to head to town.Desktop Version
A mountaintop cultural wonder
A mountaintop cultural wonder
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Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
If you"re a fan of dinosaurs, trilobites or fossilised shells, then let"s visit the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. It"s like a giant natural history museum, with rocks and cliffs that reveal 185 million years of Earth"s history. But what really steals the show are the fossils, especially those of belemnites and ammonites—extinct marine creatures—that are pictured here. Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter who combed these shores, paved the way for our current understanding of fossils. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are hotspots for fossil hunting. In these towns, you"ll find beaches where fossils practically wash up at your feet. The coast"s rock formations are more than just pretty to look at—they"re iconic. Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, and Old Harry Rocks, a set of chalk formations near Swanage, are some of the examples.Desktop Version
Japan Castle Day
Japan Castle Day
From Strawberry Day to Cat Day and even Vegetable Day, Japan has a list of faux holidays, which are the clever results of "dajare" or word plays. Today"s date, April 6, makes up the Japanese word for castle, "shiro" from "shi" (4) and "ro" (6). Hence, the celebration of castles. What better opportunity than Castle Day, to learn about the country"s largest and most visited castle—Himeji Castle? Dating back to 1333, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an advanced defensive design and five National Treasure structures. The castle has also withstood time and nature"s fury, surviving the bombings of World War II and the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995. In addition, nearly 700 years of glory, local legends and ghost stories reverberate through the 83 rooms of this hilltop fortress. Would you care to explore?Desktop Version
World Art Day
World Art Day
"Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world." There might be no better day to ponder these inspirational words by Leonardo da Vinci than World Art Day. Celebrated on April 15, this day marks the birthday of the renowned Renaissance artist. From his iconic painting of the Mona Lisa to his detailed sketches of flying machines, Leonardo"s legacy pushes the boundaries of knowledge and talent in a wide range of fields. Today"s homepage shows the RedBall Project at Centraal Station in Antwerp, Belgium. Created by the American artist Kurt Perschke, this travelling public art installation is considered to be "the world"s longest-running street artwork." It showcases a 4.5-metre inflated red ball that has been wedged into dozens of landmarks in countries from Australia to England since 2001.Desktop Version
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
At the heart of the Orkney Islands, an archipelago in northern Scotland, lies an ancient riddle: the Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to sometime between 2500 and 2000 BCE, this Neolithic henge—a type of ancient circular earthwork—and stone circle measure about 104 metres across. Lying on a narrow strip of land between two lochs, the site initially comprised 60 stones, although today only 36 remain. The exact purpose of the structure is still unknown; in 2008, an excavation project called the Ring of Brodgar Excavation was undertaken to try to learn more about the site, but the project has not yet reached any conclusive results. In 1999, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a trip to Scotland, consider walking amid the echoes of history at the Ring of Brodgar while the crisp Scottish air embraces you.Desktop Version
Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Off the coast of East Africa in the archipelago of Zanzibar—a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania—is the village of Kendwa . Historically, this serene village played a modest role in the island"s fishing industry, with traditional wooden boats, known as dhows, etching patterns across the waters. The local dhow builders offer a glimpse into an artisanal craft that has sailed through generations.Desktop Version
Good cold fun
Good cold fun
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Taking a New Year nap
Taking a New Year nap
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Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece
Methoni Castle, Messinia, Greece
Perched on a rocky headland is Methoni Castle, a symbol of medieval might situated on the shores of the Ionian Sea in southern Greece. The fortress is in Methoni, a village in the Messinia region. Built by the Venetians in the early 13th century, this castle was a key trading post and a defensive bastion, protecting the southwestern coastline from invaders. Its Bourtzi tower, an extension of the fortress standing on a small islet, was once connected to the main castle by a stone bridge.Desktop Version
Stealthy pollinators
Stealthy pollinators
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Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scotland
Red deer stag in Glen Affric, Scotland
Striking appearance, strong presence and impressive antlers—meet the red deer, photographed in the ancient forests of Glen Affric, one of Scotland"s most beautiful valleys. Found across Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa, this species is Britain"s largest land mammal and an integral part of the Caledonian pinewoods. From featuring in cave art found throughout Europe to medieval hunting traditions, red deer have always held a special place in the human imagination. In many parts of the world, their image is synonymous with the wild, free spirit of nature. Glen Affric, with its lochs, moorlands and mountains, provides the perfect habitat for these magnificent creatures.Desktop Version
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
Bodie State Historic Park, California, United States
In the ghostly silence of Bodie in California, United States, it feels like time stands still. This once-booming gold rush town was established in 1860. Bodie was named after WS Bodey, a prospector who discovered gold but tragically died in a blizzard before seeing the town"s rise. When large deposits of gold were found there, it grew to nearly 10,000 residents, with saloons, dance halls and breweries lining its streets. But as the gold ran dry, so did the town"s fortunes. The mines closed, the population dwindled, and by 1915, the place was abandoned. Bodie"s streets are now empty, its wooden buildings frozen in decay.Desktop Version
The play’s the thing
The play’s the thing
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Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Aït 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 gets its name from the way it 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 ksar—a kind of fortified village—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
When ice imitates art
When ice imitates art
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Manatee Appreciation Day
Manatee Appreciation Day
Manatees don"t rush through life—they float. These gentle giants of the sea have been gliding through warm waters for millions of years, minding their own business and munching on seagrass. But despite their laid-back nature, they face serious threats. Hence, the last Wednesday of March is dedicated to them—Manatee Appreciation Day.Desktop Version
The fjords of Italy
The fjords of Italy
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Shell-ebrating sea turtles
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
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Annas hummingbird
Annas hummingbird
Hummingbirds are known for their incredible speed; they can flap their wings up to 80 times per second, allowing them to hover in place and even fly backward. Emily Dickinson aptly describes their swift movement: "A Route of Evanescence / With a revolving Wheel—." Their high metabolism requires them to eat constantly, so they spend their days flitting from flower to flower, sipping nectar and catching insects. Fun fact: these birds can remember every flower they"ve visited and how long it will take a flower to refill with nectar.Desktop Version
Sunset on the Valley of the Moon
Sunset on the Valley of the Moon
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Drifting through Kerala
Drifting through Kerala
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Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Today we"re stepping into the heart of the historic empire of Islamic Spain. The Royal Alcázar of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, stands on the site of a 10th century citadel, which was expanded over the following 200 years. When Christian forces captured the city in 1248, the Alcázar was almost totally rebuilt in the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from the intricate patterns and decorative motifs found in Islamic architecture. Within the Alcázar, there are several courtyards lined with delicately carved columns. One of these is the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, pictured here today.Desktop Version