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Milky Way over the Elbow River, Alberta, Canada
Milky Way over the Elbow River, Alberta, Canada
Amid the landscapes of southern Alberta in Canada, the Elbow River originates from Elbow Lake in the Canadian Rockies. The 120-kilometre-long river intricately carves its way through valleys before converging with the Bow River in Calgary, at an elevation of 1,040 metres. Along the river"s course is Elbow Falls—a series of cascading waterfalls—that creates a natural spectacle. In winter, the falls transform into an icy wonderland while summer brings a rush of whitewater, which is ideal for rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities.Desktop Version
Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States
Sometimes it"s nice to get away. Thanks to environmentalist Howard Zahniser, Americans can do that in one of the country"s many wildernesses—areas sheltered from human activities. Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is one such protected area. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, the Enchantments has more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.Desktop Version
Macaroni penguins
Macaroni penguins
How many kinds of penguins can you name? Today"s snapshot features agile macaroni penguins swimming in the plankton-rich waters of the Drake Passage in Chile. These charming creatures are just one of 18 different species of penguin found in the Southern Hemisphere and can be recognised by their peculiar amber crests and prominent orange beak. Macaroni penguins gather in foraging groups, but males can be aggressive towards each other. To show passivity and avoid a fight, individuals often ease through colonies with their heads tucked down to their chests. Despite being beloved by us humans, penguins are threatened by reduced food availability, errant fishing nets and the profound impact of climate change on their habitat, sea ice.Desktop Version
Verdon Gorge, France
Verdon Gorge, France
The Verdon Gorge, known as Gorges du Verdon in French, is an approximately 25 kilometres long river canyon nestled in the heart of Provence in France. The impressive limestone cliffs, carved by the river Verdon—which flows into the Lake of Sainte-Croix—create a breathtaking spectacle. Beautiful trails wind along the steep walls, offering hikers striking views of the emerald-green waters below, coloured by fluorine and algae. Adrenaline seekers, too, can find happiness in this grandiose setting, indulging in activities such as kayaking, canyoning or climbing along the rock walls. The gorge is also a sanctuary for many species of fauna and flora, making it a favourite among nature lovers and photographers looking for unique moments.Desktop Version
Saint-François, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Saint-François, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
Saint-François, located on the southeastern coast of Grande-Terre in Guadeloupe, is an idyllic Caribbean destination. Famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it attracts lovers of the sea and the sun. The Saint-François marina is a central point, offering boat trips to neighbouring islands, such as Marie-Galante and Les Saintes.Desktop Version
St Marks Clock Tower, Venice, Italy
St Marks Clock Tower, Venice, Italy
Venice is known for its canals, gondolas and grand architecture, but if you really want to watch time fly, look no further than St Mark"s Clock Tower. For over 500 years, this Renaissance masterpiece has been keeping time in Piazza San Marco, offering both locals and tourists a spectacle of moving figures, astronomical precision and a bit of Venetian charm. The massive blue and gold clock face displays hours, minutes, moon phases and zodiac signs.Desktop Version
Large anvil clouds, Amazon, Brazil
Large anvil clouds, Amazon, Brazil
"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, captured in this celestial portrait. Originating from the Latin words "cumulus" meaning "heaped" and "nimbus" meaning "rainstorm," Cumulonimbus describes a towering cloud that develops vertically due to water vapour condensation, when the lower portion is propelled upward by strong uplifting air currents. These towering behemoths are not just sky-dwellers; they are the architects of thunderstorms and severe weather conditions. A wanderer in the sky, on their collapse, they undergo a transformative two-stage journey downstream. These celestial nomads boast lifetimes of six to twelve hours, while some lasting even longer.Desktop Version
Ria de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Ria de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
Are you ready for a journey through time? Every spring, the people of Vigo dress in history, as their streets go back to 1809 to celebrate the Reconquest of Vigo, Spain. This event commemorates a milestone in history that marked a before and after in the city of olives, turning Vigo into the first European city to successfully expel the Napoleonic troops. Dressed in the attire of peasants and sailors, the villagers recreate this battle in honour of local history. The youngest ones also have their moment in the "Reconquistiña," where this period of history is revived in a playful and educational way.Desktop Version
Medieval city walls, Ávila, Spain
Medieval city walls, Ávila, Spain
The stone structure in today"s image is part of the medieval city walls of Ávila in Spain. Within the picturesque confines of these Romanesque fortifications lies its cherished Old Town. It"s a place where cobbled streets wind their way past ancient structures, each whispering tales of bygone eras. In 1985, Ávila was included in UNESCO"s World Heritage List. The iconic walls that encircle the town were built by the Spanish to protect their territories from the Moors. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, these fortifications have a perimeter of 2,516 metres, including 88 towers. When they were first built, they served to defend the city against attacks from outsiders; nowadays, visitors can walk around nearly half of the circumference of the walls, enjoying views of the city and the surrounding countryside.Desktop Version
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Haghartsin Monastery, Armenia
Hidden among the forests of northern Armenia, Haghartsin Monastery is a gem of medieval Armenian architecture. Surrounded by the lush landscapes of Dilijan National Park, the monastery complex consists of several ornate structures, including the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory"s Church and St. Stepanos" Church. The buildings date back to the 10th century and are adorned with intricately carved stone monuments, crossing arches and other decorative details, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the era. Haghartsin, which translates to "dance of the eagles," offers a serene escape for those seeking to connect with the country"s rich history. A sense of timelessness pervades as you wander through its quiet courtyards and explore the forested surroundings.Desktop Version
Tree frog on leaf
Tree frog on leaf
In some parts of the world, the arrival of spring is announced by the guttural chorus of tree frogs. As their name suggests, these frogs spend most of their lives in trees. They tend to be small and slender since their weight must be supported by branches and twigs in their habitats. They can be recognised by the sticky discs on the tips of their fingers and toes, which help them cling to surfaces. There are over 8,000 species of tree frogs, typically found in Central America, Europe and Australia. The American green tree frog is the official state amphibian of both Louisiana and Georgia. A fascinating fact about frogs is that they have three eyelids; the third helps them hide, hibernate and sleep.Desktop Version
Poinsettias
Poinsettias
During the holiday season, poinsettias are often seen adorning homes and festive displays, serving as symbols of goodwill and community spirit. Poinsettias can be found in nature from Mexico to Guatemala, and the ancestors of the modern, commercially available version have been traced to the Mexican state of Guerrero. The crimson-leaved plant was used by the Aztecs as a red dye and as a fever-reducing medicine. It is also referred to as "Flor de la Noche Buena" or the "Flower of the Holy Night" due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem.Desktop Version
A great egret in the Pantanal
A great egret in the Pantanal
Walking carefully between the floating leaves of water lilies is a delicate white egret in the tranquil waters of the Pantanal region, Brazil. These birds can regulate their body temperature by adjusting exposure to the sun and their own wings to control body heat. They are usually monogamous, forming pairs that remain together for several breeding seasons. During mating, they perform impressive rituals, including dances and vocalisations, to strengthen the couple"s bond.Desktop Version
Diamond Beach, Iceland
Diamond Beach, Iceland
From fjords and lava fields to ice caves and black sand beaches, like the one we see in today"s image, Iceland is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Diamond Beach is one of the most popular natural landmarks in the country. Located near the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, this unique beach gets its name from pieces of icebergs, broken off from glaciers, that wash ashore, resembling sparkling diamonds on the dark sand, which comes from eroded volcanic rocks. The contrast between the clear ice and black sand creates a surreal sight, especially when sunlight hits the ice, making it a must-visit destination along Iceland"s south coast.Desktop Version
Magellanic penguins
Magellanic penguins
Today"s image features a couple of Magellanic penguins, photographed holding flippers in the Falkland Islands. These penguins, found in coastal Patagonia, are known for their distinctive black and white bands and their loud, braying calls. They also mate with the same partner every year. They dig burrows near the coast to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. The male returns to burrows he used the year before and waits for his partner, who can recognise him by his voice alone. Their diet mainly consists of small fish, squid and krill. They can dive up to 50 metres depth to forage for food. In winter, they migrate north to warmer waters, sometimes reaching as far as southern Brazil. These penguins are highly social and often seen in large colonies, where they communicate with each other through their distinctive calls. Fun fact: Penguins can drink seawater because they have a special gland that filters out the salt!Desktop Version
Serra de Tramuntana, Balearic Islands, Majorca, Spain
Serra de Tramuntana, Balearic Islands, Majorca, Spain
The history of olive cultivation in one of the Balearic Islands, Majorca, Spain, dates back over 2,000 years. The Phoenicians and Greeks, who were early settlers here, introduced the first olive trees to the island. The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which adorns the north coast, is home to these olive groves. The olive groves expanded during the Islamic era, and olive oil became a crucial ingredient in Majorca"s gastronomy and culinary traditions.Desktop Version
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Sun, sand and sea come together to create the stunning sand beaches of the Whitsunday Islands, made up of 74 isles, located a little over 54 kilometres off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Visitors come here to enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, camping and relaxing at exquisite resorts. It is surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a national park, which ensures the protection of the islands, which were once home to the Ngaro people of Australia. This Aboriginal group is also known as the "Canoe People" due to their lifestyle that revolved around their marine environment. Today, the island"s primary visitors are travellers, divers, campers and adventure seekers.Desktop Version
Alpine marmot
Alpine marmot
Curious to know more about this cute creature? The Alpine marmot seen here today is a close relative of ground squirrels and prairie dogs and belongs to the squirrel family. They store plant stems in their burrows as cosy bedding to prepare for their hibernation. This helps them endure the weather conditions and scarcity of food that often occur during winter. They engage in communication with one another through a range of auditory signals, including whistles, screams and teeth chattering. Did you know - Groundhog burrows have latrine chambers, located far away from the sleeping and eating areas of the burrow to keep them clean and hygienic? Fascinating, isn"t it?Desktop Version
Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California, USA
Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California, USA
Unlike its Italian namesake, Venice in California, USA, is not known for canals and quaint cobblestone streets. It is, instead, a skateboarder"s paradise. Located next to the sun-kissed shores of Venice Beach, the Venice Skatepark stands as a testament to the rich history of skateboarding in the state.Desktop Version
The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland
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!Desktop Version
Icicles of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
Icicles of Misotsuchi, Chichibu, Japan
Behold, the magic of the Misotsuchi Icicles in Chichibu, Japan! This breathtaking natural ice wall, over 30 metres wide and 10 metres tall, is formed by spring water freezing as it trickles down a rock face. The attraction, called "Misotsuchi no Tsurara," is only open from mid-January through mid-February and includes coloured lights after dark, creating a scene that feels straight out of a winter fairy tale.Desktop Version
Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales, United Kingdom
Ynys Llanddwyn—or Llanddywn island—is a tiny, idyllic piece of land off the western coast of Anglesey in Wales, United Kingdom. It has a profound connection to St. Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, which can be seen in the name of the island: Llanddwyn means "Church of Dwynwen." Legend has it that Dwynwen, a princess in the 5th century, sought solace on this island after a tragic love story. The young woman fell in love with a commoner, but because her royal father forbade the union—and after briefly turning her beloved into a block of ice—she moved to the island and set up a convent. She dedicated her life to spirituality, living as a hermit and helping others with matters of the heart. The remains of Dwynwen"s church, a well and the ruins of a convent are testaments to her legacy on Ynys Llanddwyn.Desktop Version
Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Bowling Ball Beach, California, USA
Welcome to nature"s bowling alley. Bowling Ball Beach on the Mendocino Coast in California, USA, is named after the striking rock formations strewn across the shore. These sandstone balls—a phenomenon known as concretions—formed over millions of years as sedimentary layers built up around a central core of sand and stone held together by mineral cements. Erosion gradually wore away the outer layers to expose the spherical shapes we see today. This created a fascinating spectacle that only appears at low tide. Concretions are rare, and there has been plenty of wild speculation about where they come from, with some believing them to be extraterrestrial debris while others wondering if they are dinosaur fossils. The answer, however, is quite simple: it is the forces of nature at play.Desktop Version
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, which spans over 805 square kilometres. As summer bids farewell in the Northern Hemisphere, the park undergoes a transformation, unveiling its most enchanting chapter: the autumn season. The leaves put on their fanciest outfits—reds, oranges, and golds—creating an amazing show you won"t want to miss. The Skyline Drive, a 169-kilometre route, offers a front-row seat, with more than 75 overlooks. Did you know Shenandoah has more than 300 species of trees, vines and shrubs? The sugar maples, hickories and oaks are the rock stars of the colour-changing game. So, whether you"re an avid hiker, a nature photographer or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this park has it all.Desktop Version
Ayna, Albacete, Spain
Ayna, Albacete, Spain
Snow might not be the first thing that pops into your mind when thinking about Spain, but thanks to its diverse landscapes from high peaks and warm beaches, Spain has it all. Featured in today"s image, the tiny village of Ayna—with a population of less than 1,000—lies in the steep valley carved by the river Mundo in the Sierra del Segura mountain range. Because of its snow-capped mountains during the winter months, the town is frequently called Manchegan Switzerland—with "Manchegan" referring to the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha that Ayna is a part of. About 242 kilometres south of the capital, Madrid, Ayna offers a unique glimpse into Spanish village life.Desktop Version