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The mystery of Stonehenge
The mystery of Stonehenge
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Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
A chilly paradise awaits at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival! This annual celebration transforms the US state of Minnesota"s capital city, Saint Paul, into a winter wonderland of festivity and joy, this year between January 25 and February 4. In 1885, a group of reporters visited and referred to Minnesota as another Siberia, which offended city officials. As a response, they devised a plan to showcase the area"s winter beauty. The Winter Carnival was born, featuring various seasonal activities such as bobsleighing and ice horse-racing. Today, the celebration serves not only to impress visitors but to strengthen community bonds through parades, markets, winter sports and ice carving competitions and displays, such as the beautiful frozen skyline seen in today"s image.Desktop Version
Carnival of Venice
Carnival of Venice
Don your tricorn hat and gilded disguise, it"s time to visit the Carnival of Venice, a centuries-old festival shrouded in mystique and beauty. This annual winter celebration combines revelry with anonymity, thanks to masks that often follow certain character archetypes such as the bauta, volto, Colombina and Zanni—the last two are borrowed from Italian commedia theatre. Over the course of the festivities, thousands of people take to the streets in elaborate costumes that imitate traditional 17th-century Venetian clothes. There are parades, parties and processions galore during the carnival, along with concerts and street performances, all of which last until Shrove Tuesday, which falls on February 13 this year. While revelling in the streets, you might pass by the Santa Maria della Salute, seen towards the back of today"s image, a baroque basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was considered to be the protector of the Republic of Venice.Desktop Version
Grey seal pup
Grey seal pup
If you happen to visit England"s Norfolk coasts around this time, you"re very likely to see some grey seal pups experiencing the world for the first time. About 3,000 grey seal babies are born on the shoreline between early November and January each year—slightly earlier than the ones living on the US coasts—making the area one of the most significant breeding regions in the United Kingdom. The seal moms feed their pups on the beach for three weeks, and their effort is noticeable. The offspring gain approximately 2 kilograms each day in those weeks! Following the feeding period, the young seals are not water-ready just yet. They stay on the beach until their pale fur darkens to a mottled grey, then head to the sea and learn to hunt themselves.Desktop Version
Channel Country, Australia
Channel Country, Australia
There is a patchwork quilt of earth tones and narrow waterways running like veins through the Australian Outback"s Channel Country. This sprawling area is famous for its crisscrossing river channels and its transformation from a parched desert canvas to a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers when rainfall is abundant. Indigenous Australians have lived off this land for tens of thousands of years, and some in the area offer tours and classes that teach visitors how to survive in the Outback. This unspoiled region is also home to a bonanza of wildlife—kangaroos that bounce along the plains, emus that strut their stuff and preening purple-crowned fairywrens. If you"re lucky, you might even spot a bilby—a nocturnal marsupial that has rabbit-like long ears. So, are you ready to "channel" your inner explorer?Desktop Version
Saint Georges Day
Saint Georges Day
Are you ready to wave your flags and celebrate all things English? Saint George"s Day has rolled around once again. Today is a commemoration the death of the patron saint of England who was a Roman soldier famed for his dragon-slaying. This feast day is not just about honouring the saint, it"s also about celebrating English culture and heritage. From dragon-themed parades in Derby to traditional feasts fit for a king, there"s something for everyone to enjoy. Coincidently, today also marks the birth and death dates of William Shakespeare. So, don a rose, raise your glass and let"s hear it for all things English!Desktop Version
Lake Tahoe, USA
Lake Tahoe, USA
Peeking out of Lake Tahoe—the largest alpine lake in North America and the second-deepest lake in the United States— Bonsai Rock and its surroundings are a popular tourist destination in the Sierra Nevada range. The peculiar sight of four trees growing out of what appears to be a massive granite rock inspired a name that comes from the Japanese art of growing miniature trees. Bonsai traditionally contain a single tree or a small group of trees of the same species, so the description fits this site well. Part of the purpose of bonsai is to provide an opportunity for contemplation, so if you visit Bonsai Rock, find a place to relax and explore your thoughts.Desktop Version
Northern hawk-owl
Northern hawk-owl
Do you find yourself thriving in the daytime while your friends love to stay out late? If so, you"ve got a friend in the northern hawk-owl, one of the world"s few owls that is only active during the day. This vocal bird inhabits the boreal forests of North America and Eurasia and has different calls for mating, communicating with young and announcing that danger is nearby. Northern hawk-owls aren"t picky eaters, they"ll consume mice, rats, voles, lemmings, rabbits, shrews, moles, occasionally other small birds and have even been seen eating frogs and fish. No worries, we"re not on the menu, but if you wander too close to their nest, protective parents have been known to swoop at humans to keep them away.Desktop Version
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Today"s image gives us a glimpse of beautiful Grand Teton National Park, in the United States" least populous state, Wyoming. The park, established in 1929, includes numerous lakes, the Snake River and the Teton Range, famed for its series of sharp, jagged peaks. Bring your binoculars with you, and if it"s summertime, be on the lookout for pronghorn, who travel about 150 miles to get there. They aren"t the only creatures to visit seasonally; elk and bison are also summer visitors. These migrations play a vital role in the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park. The animals help disperse seeds and provide food for predators.Desktop Version
Last Night of the Proms
Last Night of the Proms
If you"ve ever found yourself dreaming of a night packed with classical music, patriotic fervour and the occasional flag-waving, then the Last Night of the Proms, happening today, is for you. This annual event, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, pictured here, is the grand finale of the BBC Proms season. The Proms, short for "Promenade Concerts," began in 1895 with the aim of making classical music accessible to everyone. It started with just a few concerts, but it has grown into a summer-long festival featuring hundreds of performances from July to September. The Last Night typically kicks off with a selection of classical favourites performed by top orchestras and soloists. Expect the second half of the evening to get properly patriotic, with anthems like "Land of Hope and Glory" and "Rule, Britannia!," inspiring a joyous sing-along. So, put on your best concert attire or a flag cape and get ready to join in the fun!Desktop Version
Common raven
Common raven
The common raven is an intelligent and adaptable bird known for its striking appearance and remarkable behaviours. This elegant bird is easily identified by its characteristic wedge-shaped tail and glossy black feathers. Their keen eyesight and agile flight make them proficient hunters, often scavenging for prey or stealing from other predators. Ravens are known for their playful behaviour and their omnivorous diet, feeding on a wide variety of foods, including carrion, insects and small mammals.Desktop Version
British Summer Time ends
British Summer Time ends
Time is of the essence today: the last Sunday of October marks the end of British Summer Time. At 2 AM this morning, the clocks fell back one hour, meaning there was an extra hour of sleep. While the idea of summer time was mentioned in 1784 by American inventor Benjamin Franklin, the first serious proposal for changing the clocks in the United Kingdom came from British builder William Willett in 1907. He valued having more daylight and felt so strongly about this that he published a pamphlet called "The Waste of Daylight. Over time, many countries adopted the practice to give people more daylight in the evenings during the summer months.Desktop Version
Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Mount Hood, Oregon, USA
Mount Hood graces the US state of Oregon"s skyline with a pointed, snow-capped peak. Standing at nearly 3,426 metres, this dormant stratovolcano is the tallest mountain in the state, drawing adventurers and nature aficionados alike. With 12 named glaciers and numerous snow fields, Mount Hood offers a wintry playground all year round. Beyond its snow-laden allure, it sustains diverse ecosystems, nurturing ancient forests and serving as a haven for wildlife, including cougars and wolves. Over the past 1,800 years, the volcano has erupted three times. According to geologists, the mountain is primarily dormant, but there is still a chance that it could erupt one day.Desktop Version
International Polar Bear Day
International Polar Bear Day
Bear with us as we head north for International Polar Bear Day, highlighting the challenges faced by the world"s largest bear species. It was set up by Polar Bears International, an organisation dedicated to protecting these mammals and their habitat. The date was chosen to coincide with the time when cubs are in their dens being protected by their mothers, as this is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear"s life.Desktop Version
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Welcome to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Located on the southern part of the island, this valley and its green mountains echo with art and history. The region is home to the band government of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest First Nations band in British Columbia. The city of Duncan has an impressive collection of indigenous art, including intricate carvings and paintings. While you’re in town, you must visit the collection of totem poles, which are towering symbols of indigenous history, depicting ancestral legends and clan symbols. The Cowichan Valley is also celebrated for its flourishing wine, cider and brewery scenes. The region"s moderate climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for vineyards and orchards. Visitors can explore these vineyards and sample locally crafted beverages. Before you leave, you might want to get a Siwash sweater knitted by members of the Cowichan Tribes.Desktop Version
Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Italy
Today"s photo shows an evocative sunset that illuminates the town of Sestri Levante with stunning colours. This pearl hidden among the coasts of the Riviera Ligure di Levante enchants its visitors with its natural beauty and a historical heritage that dates all the way back to Roman times. Situated between Portofino and the Cinque Terre, it offers breathtaking landscapes and beaches such as the Baia del Silenzio and the Baia delle Favole, the latter linked to the legend of Hans Christian Andersen and his "Little Mermaid." The Punta Manara Natural Park and the ancient medieval streets enrich the experience, making Sestri Levante a destination of rare beauty and historical charm.Desktop Version
Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
Today"s image takes us to a city that is bold, unpolished in the best way, and brimming with personality. While it"s famous for its port wine (cheers to that!), there"s so much more to discover in the Portuguese city of Porto. As you walk through its streets, you"ll notice façades adorned with azulejos—painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework found in Portugal and Spain—historic churches like São Francisco, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the Douro River, which runs through the city.Desktop Version
Kingfisher
Kingfisher
Don"t be fooled by its tropical look, this bird has a wide range and adapts to various climates—meet kingfisher. With over 100 species spread across the globe, kingfishers are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to coastal regions. Most species, like the common kingfisher, prefer freshwater environments across Europe, Asia and Africa, while others, such as the belted kingfisher, are found in North and South America. These birds are instantly recognisable by their vibrant plumage, often featuring a striking mix of blues, greens and oranges.Desktop Version
Ring of fire solar eclipse
Ring of fire solar eclipse
Sky gazers and scientists have all been counting down to witness today"s annular solar eclipse which will pass over parts of the Americas. A solar eclipse is nothing more than an alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon that has the Earth passing through the Moon"s shadow. But why is the solar eclipse in today"s image different? It occurs when the Moon is farthest from the Earth because of its elliptical orbit. When this happens, it appears smaller, letting the sun"s brilliance peek through and creating a halo—the "Ring of fire". Viewers in specific regions can witness this cosmic show, but please be cautious. This eclipse should not be looked at directly without wearing specialised eye protection.Desktop Version
Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
Unlike its Italian namesake, Venice in California 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
Antarctica Day
Antarctica Day
The windiest, coldest, driest and fifth-largest continent on Earth—Antarctica—was discovered in 1820. In the following decades, several countries organised expeditions to reach and explore the Antarctic ice sheets. Since the southernmost continent lacked an indigenous population, various nations claimed ownership. As tensions mounted, 12 countries signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 to set the region aside for scientific research and prohibit military activities. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of this treaty, which now has 56 parties.Desktop Version
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in Arizona features an array of sandstone rock formations, towering hoodoos and surreal slot canyons. The monument, established in 2000, was named after the vibrant red hues that dominate the landscape. Once you get a permit to visit this exclusive outdoor excursion, make sure to visit the "Wave." It"s a stunning geological wonder, with flowing layers of rocks that appear frozen like red liquid. Other visual treats include Cobra Arch and the White Pocket formation of sandstone structures, featuring swirling patterns, crossbedding and a combination of colours, including white, red and orange.Desktop Version
Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
Hang Sơn Đoòng, Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Vietnam
In 1991, a Vietnamese logger stumbled upon something big in Vietnam"s Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. During a jungle expedition, he found the entrance to a cave with a roaring underground river, which was later named Hang Sơn Đoòng, or "cave of the mountain river." In 2009, the British Cave Research Association led an expedition to explore the site. It was then that they realised something incredible: it was the world"s largest cave. How large, you ask? Hang Sơn Đoòng"s main passage is 3.1 miles long, 150 metres wide and 200 metres high. That"s tall enough to fit a 40-storey skyscraper! Inside, there is a 60-metre calcite barrier called the "Great Wall of Vietnam" and stalagmites stretching as tall as 80 metres. It even has its own weather system; clouds form inside the cave due to temperature differences between the cave air and the outside air.Desktop Version
Polar bear season in Manitoba
Polar bear season in Manitoba
On the shore of Hudson Bay, the Canadian town of Churchill in Manitoba is quite remote, but the seasonal sights that await are worth the trek. From beluga whales and northern lights to the shipwreck of the SS Ithaka and the Sea Walls murals, there"s no end to the surprises you"ll find here. Moreover, it"s the ultimate polar bear hotspot, earning it the title of "polar bear capital of the world". From October to November, these white giants pass through, waiting for the sea ice to form so they can head out to hunt seals. Scared? Tourists can safely view polar bears from the comfort of custom vehicles. A so-called "polar bear jail" is also maintained to manage bear-human interactions. So, are you ready for a wild adventure that"ll send chills down your spine, but in a good way?Desktop Version
Sea otter
Sea otter
Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Weighing 14-45 kilograms, they"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food. These clever critters are smart as well as cute: they use rocks to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for almost two centuries, as their dense fur was highly prized. By 1911, it is thought that only around 2,000 were left. Thankfully, an international hunting ban, conservation efforts and reintroduction programs have helped them rebound, and they are now found in about two-thirds of their historic habitat. Despite this success, some populations are still struggling, and sea otters are still an endangered species.Desktop Version