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Nov 24, 2023Olympic National Park, Washington, USA

Imagine spending the day hiking in a forest, soaking in the lush greenery instead of frantically checking every item off your holiday shopping list. The Hall of Mosses at Olympic National Park, in Washington"s Hoh Rain Forest, is a far cry from a shopping centre. This rainforest, different from the tropical kind that most think of, contains a brief but enchanting loop trail, home to a variety of mosses that gracefully drape over majestic spruces and hemlocks. Make sure to bring a jacket though, this aptly categorised forest is the wettest in the contiguous United States with an annual rainfall of nearly 330 centimetres. No wonder it"s so green!Desktop Version

Dec 23, 2024Dhamek Stupa, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Welcome to Sarnath, home of the celebrated marvel of Buddhism—Dhamek Stupa, featured in today"s image. This structure was built on the very spot where Buddha shared his first-ever sermon with his first five disciples. Originally built in 500 CE to replace an earlier monument commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, it holds a legacy as rich as its carvings. With a solid base of 28 metres in diameter and a towering height of 43.6 metres, it merges stone and brick in a design that"s both massive and intricate. The lower stonework boasts delicate floral carvings from the Gupta era, while its walls feature finely detailed depictions of humans, birds and inscriptions in the ancient Brahmi script. Although the stupa has been expanded six times over the centuries, the upper section remains unfinished. Standing before it, one can"t help but marvel at the stories it holds.Desktop Version

Oct 13, 2023Vieste, Apulia, Italy

Vieste is a picturesque town on the eastern coast of Italy. With origins dating back thousands of years, its history is a tapestry woven by various civilisations, including the Normans, Byzantines and Romans. The town"s historic center is filled with charming narrow streets, ancient architecture, and a medieval Swabian castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. What truly captivates visitors, however, is Vieste"s stunning natural landscape, renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. In fact, Vieste"s waters are so clear that it has been awarded Blue Flag certification for its water quality. The famous Pizzomunno rock formation has legends associated with it, which are often variations of the same story about a young man named Pizzomunno and his lover Cristalda. With its blend of history, natural wonders and leisure pursuits, Vieste remains a captivating destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.Desktop Version

Jan 21, 2024Eurasian red squirrel

Have you ever been captivated by a squirrel crossing your path? If so, you"re not alone! Today"s image showcases the charming Eurasian red squirrel, whose striking reddish-brown coat, white underbelly and bushy tail are a familiar sight in several countries. These squirrels are not only exceptional jumpers—capable of leaping up to 1.8 metres in one jump—they can even swim to search for food or migrate. If you spot a fuzzy-tailed squirrel friend frolicking in your backyard, they might appreciate some feeding stations stocked with a variety of treats such as raspberries or crab apples.Desktop Version

In the tropics, land greets sea warmly

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Nov 1, 2023Haut-Barr Castle, Vosges

Haut-Barr Castle is a medieval fortress that looms at an altitude of 450 metres, in northern Alsace. Built in 1170, it underwent significant transformations and restorations over the centuries. Its construction was initiated by the bishops of Strasbourg with the purpose of overseeing the Zorn Valley and the Alsace plain, earning it the evocative nickname "the eye of Alsace." On a clear day, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral. The castle, constructed on three rocks, is connected by a bridge, known as the "Devil"s Bridge". Legend has it that its construction is attributed to the devil as it would have been impossible for anyone else to build such a sturdy bridge.Desktop Version

Feb 2, 2024Alpine Marmot

Curious about how long this winter will last? The Alpine marmot seen here today, has its own winter tradition of stocking up on food to prepare for a long hibernation. Primarily found in mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, these robust rodents have a stocky build, short legs and a blunt snout. They inhabit alpine meadows and rocky areas, preferring elevations between 1,200 to 3,200 metres. They feed on various vegetation, including grasses, herbs and flowers, along with insects, spiders and worms. Despite their current non-endangered status, the species is vulnerable, particularly in regions like the Jura Mountains and Germany where they are regularly hunted.Desktop Version

Sep 15, 2023Udaipur, India

The serene city of Udaipur, nestled alongside Lake Pichola and surrounded by the ridges of the Aravalli Range, offers a captivating setting that is unparalleled in Rajasthan. The city is filled with palaces, temples, and decorated homes called havelis. The bustling markets, arts scene, heritage hotels and idyllic countryside all add to its appeal.Desktop Version

An oasis in the desert

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Nov 4, 2023American bison

While temperatures continue to drop as we approach winter, the American bison couldn"t care less. These burly mammals get ready for snow with their shaggy coats and massive bodies that can weigh up to 900 kilograms. Despite their size, they are agile and can run up to 64 kilometres per hour. The bison population plummeted due to overhunting and westward expansion. At its lowest point, there were only a few hundred bison left in the wild. Bison herds have resided in Yellowstone National Park since prehistoric times, a site that is no stranger to frigid temperatures.Desktop Version

Nov 12, 2023Diwali

Diwali is a religious festival of lights, and holds widespread significance in Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is celebrated worldwide in countries with an Indian diaspora. The name "Diwali" comes from the Sanskrit term "Dipavali," which means "row of lights." The heart of Diwali lies in the lighting of oil lamps, or "diyas," illuminating homes and public spaces, creating a dazzling spectacle that signifies the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The present-day city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India—believed to be the birthplace of the God of Protection, Lord Rama—holds the Guinness World Record for the largest display of oil lamps. As seen in today"s image, the "diyas" are lit on the banks of the Sarayu River during Diwali.Desktop Version

Jan 20, 2024Macaroni penguins

Let"s flap our flippers and take a dive into the world of these amazing creatures! 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

Nov 3, 2023Pacific sea nettles off the coast of Carmel, California, USA

Jellyfish may be observed in all the world"s oceans in an array of shapes and sizes. There are about 2,000 different species of jellyfish, and they all lack hearts, bones and brains. Pacific sea nettle jellyfish, seen here, are known for their vibrant golden-brown bell and long tentacles, and inhabit the coastal waters of California and Oregon. Moon jellyfish are pale and have short tentacles, and in an unexpected but somewhat appropriate twist, they ventured into space aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1991 to help scientists study their unique biology. No matter the species, jellyfish play a vital role in the ocean"s food chain, as they are the primary food source for many seawater animals, including sea turtles. Jellies are threatened by climate changes, marine pollution and overfishing, and damage to their populations has reverberating effects on the sea life that depends on them.Desktop Version

Feb 8, 2024Mount Hood, Oregon

Mount Hood graces Oregon"s skyline with a pointed, snow-capped peak. Standing at nearly 3,430 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

Feb 18, 2024Sperm whale pod surfacing

Ahoy there, giants of the sea! The planet"s 92 whale species are split between baleen whales and toothed whales. Baleen whales use bristle-like mouth parts to filter krill from the water. The sperm whales pictured here, like the other 76 toothed species, use cone-shaped teeth to attack their prey. Unlike baleen whales, they hunt and navigate using echolocation, a method that uses sound to detect the things around them. Sperm whales also happen to have the largest brain of any animal on Earth! A whale"s large brain-to-body mass ratio means that their intelligence is no fluke.Desktop Version

Feb 5, 2025Waitangi Day in New Zealand

What do you get when you bring together more than 500 Māori chiefs, representatives of the British Crown, and a treaty signed in 1840? A day that New Zealanders still commemorate: Waitangi Day. On this date, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing the principles for how the two cultures would coexist. Ceremonies are held at Waitangi Treaty Grounds—where the document was signed—featuring traditional Māori performances, speeches and the ever-dramatic waka (canoe) races. From festivals and concerts in cities like Auckland and Wellington to low-key community gatherings, the spirit of the day is about connection and culture.Desktop Version

Switzerland of India

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World Hippo Day, a giant celebration

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Mar 4, 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Greetings from tropical Costa Rica! The conical Arenal Volcano rises to an impressive height of 1,657 metres, standing tall above the surrounding rainforest and Lake Arenal, the largest lake in the country. The sleepy mountain roared to life in a massive 1968 eruption that threw rocks for close to a kilometre. The last significant volcanic activity there took place in 2010, and the once lava-lit peak is currently dormant. With over 500 species of birds, Arenal Volcano National Park is a must-visit location for birdwatchers. The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including red brocket deer, pumas, white-faced monkeys, orchids, heliconias and ferns. Arenal makes for an imposing and beautiful sight, towering over the tropical trees.Desktop Version

Dec 12, 2023Red poinsettia

During the holiday season, poinsettias are often seen adorning homes and festive displays, serving as symbols of goodwill and community spirit. Named after the American ambassador Joel Poinsett, who introduced it to North America in the 19th century, the poinsettia"s association with Christmas has made it a cherished symbol of warmth and celebration. 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.Desktop Version

Mar 11, 2024Sleeping koala

This sleepy koala may inspire you to catch some Z"s. These adorable Australian marsupials can sleep up to 20 hours a day, which helps them conserve the little energy they get from their eucalyptus-based diet. Koalas move slowly when awake, spend most of their time tucked into nooks in trees, and have a lower body temperature than other animals of their size. The koala is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial, it is uniquely adapted to its native habitat. Typically found in coastal areas of Australia"s eastern and southern regions, including Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, the koala"s stout, tailless body and distinctive features, such as its large head with round, fluffy ears and dark nose, make it easily recognisable.Desktop Version

Aug 25, 2024Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, Telangana

Today, let us step into Golconda Fort in the bustling city of Hyderabad. This fort once housed a vault that safeguarded some of the world"s most famous gems, including the legendary Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds. The origins of the fort date back to the 11th century when it was first established as a modest mud fort by Pratāparudra of the Kakatiya Empire. It"s also believed that the Kakatiya ruler Ganapatideva, who reigned from 1199 to 1262, constructed a stone outpost on the hilltop to protect the empire"s western frontier.Desktop Version

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