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Remembering Jimmy Carter
Remembering Jimmy Carter
Thursday, January 9 is a national day of mourning in the United States in honor of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at 100 years old. After his lying in state at the Capitol, a funeral for the 39th president will be held today at Washington National Cathedral. The federal government will be closed today, as will other institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange. Our photo shows the Capitol dome on December 30, 2024, with flags flying at half-staff in honor of the longest-lived US president.Desktop Version
Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
It"s not every day you see a desert burst into colors, but during a superbloom, arid land is covered with endless stretches of flowers. This rare phenomenon happens in California and Arizona when the rainy season awakens wildflower seeds that have been lying dormant in the soil. Superblooms in California typically occur once a decade, but prolonged droughts in the 21st century have made them increasingly less frequent. Drawing attention to California"s diverse flora and rural federal lands, this event offers a temporary boost to local economies.Desktop Version
Independence Day
Independence Day
Today the sky sparkles with shades of patriotism as our nation celebrates its Independence Day! The Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates from the 13 colonies on July 4, 1776. The Founding Fathers proclaimed that the colonies were now unified, independent, and sovereign states, no longer under the authority of Britain"s King George III.Desktop Version
The Bahamas
The Bahamas
Turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, alfresco dining, and tales of pirates—welcome to the Bahamas! With over 3,000 cays, islands, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean, this West Indies archipelago is home to the world"s third-largest barrier reef—the Andros Barrier Reef. For adventurous souls drawn to nature, Dean"s Blue Hole, a 663-foot-deep marine sinkhole on Long Island, offers a thrilling experience. From the serene pink sand beaches of Harbour Island to the capital city Nassau"s bustling Straw Market and famous wine cellars, the Bahamas is more than just a destination—it"s a captivating tale waiting to unfold.Desktop Version
National Umbrella Day
National Umbrella Day
It"s National Umbrella Day today, a quirky celebration that honors one of the simplest yet most essential inventions in human history: the umbrella, or parasol. Over 4,000 years ago, in ancient Egypt, Assyria, and China, these foldable canopies were first used to shield people from the sun. It wasn"t until the 17th century that the umbrella, as we know it today, gained popularity in Europe, initially as a luxury item primarily for women. Fast-forward a few centuries, and these weather shields have become a staple in pop culture, too. Remember Mary Poppins with her iconic umbrella that helped her fly, or Rihanna"s hit song "Umbrella"?Desktop Version
Patriot Day
Patriot Day
On Patriot Day, we are at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood. The museum is 70 feet underground, beneath the memorial"s waterfall pools in the footprints of the fallen towers. The names of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks and in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing are listed on bronze parapets surrounding these huge reflecting pools. Seven stories below the memorial, the museum tells the story of 9/11 through exhibits, artifacts, historical records, and personal accounts, remembering the victims and those who risked their lives to save others.Desktop Version
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
Yungang Grottoes, Shanxi, China
What do 51,000 ancient statues have in common? They all call the Yungang Grottoes in China home! This collection of early Buddhist art is near Datong in Shanxi province, northeastern China. Carved into sandstone cliffs over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei dynasty, the grottoes comprise 254 caves. The highlight is the massive Buddha in Cave 5, which is a jaw-dropping 56 feet tall. But don"t stop there—each cave offers something unique. Some are like ancient storyboards, depicting tales from Buddhist scriptures, while others showcase detailed carvings of monks, deities, musicians, and even scenes of daily life under Wei rule. These caves blend influences from Indian, Central Asian, and local Chinese Buddhist art. Whether you"re a history lover or simply appreciate unique art, the Yungang Grottoes offer an unforgettable experience.Desktop Version
International Tiger Day
International Tiger Day
We"re off to a roaring start today: It"s International Tiger Day, which aims to protect these magnificent big cats amid threats such as poaching and habitat loss. At the end of the 19th century, there were thought to be around 100,000 tigers in the wild; these days, there are fewer than 6,000.Desktop Version
Frost-covered dunes on Mars
Frost-covered dunes on Mars
Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is often referred to as the "Red Planet" due to its rusty hue from the iron oxide-rich soil dust. The planet is dotted with frosty dunes, largely located in the high latitudes of the northern plains. Mars" atmosphere is composed of nearly 96% carbon dioxide, which is why carbon ice forms on the surface. These dunes showcase the dynamic interaction between Mars" thin atmosphere, its surface, and seasonal temperature changes.Desktop Version
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to the United States, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolizing renewal, hope, and the transient nature of life. Among popular places to see them are Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Lu Xun Park in Shanghai, and Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version
Celebrating Labor Day
Celebrating Labor Day
Take a load off this Labor Day weekend. One of 11 federal holidays, Labor Day honors America"s workers and is celebrated on the first Monday of September. Its origins are rooted in late 1800s efforts to recognize the contributions the country"s workers, and labor activists ultimately helped establish the 40-hour work week and weekends. President Grover Cleveland made the US holiday official in 1894. Today, many Americans celebrate the long weekend, which is often considered the unofficial end of summer, by grilling, hanging out with friends and family, and going to parades.Desktop Version
Park of the Monsters, Bomarzo, Italy
Park of the Monsters, Bomarzo, Italy
Join us for a pre-Halloween trip to a small Italian town about 60 miles northwest of Rome. We"re taking you to Bomarzo, where a once-forgotten 16th-century garden holds monstrous sculptures that are meant to evoke anything but pleasure. In our photo, "The Mouth of Orcus," a Roman god of the underworld and punisher of broken oaths, gives visitors the feeling of being swallowed into the abyss. During a visit to the Parco dei Mostri (Park of the Monsters), as it"s known, you"ll come across other grotesque sights such as a dragon being attacked by lions, a giant shredding a man, and Hannibal"s elephant snatching a Roman soldier.Desktop Version
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart
Few people in modern history have captured our imagination as much as the famed aviator Amelia Earhart, born on this day in 1897. She was doubly a pioneer of her day, a skilled pilot when flying was a relatively new and daring endeavor, and a woman in a field dominated by men. Earhart"s legend was made, sadly, not as much by her piloting accomplishments as by her sudden disappearance in 1937 when her fame was still ascending. The 39-year-old famously went missing, along with navigator Fred Noonan, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, near Howland Island, while attempting to fly around the world. The official search for Earhart and Noonan lasted 17 days. The US Navy and Coast Guard searched 150,000 square miles of the Pacific, an effort that became the most expensive search in history at the time. Her husband, George Putnam, led a private search in the months that followed. No verified trace of Earhart, Noonan, or the twin-propeller Lockheed Electra plane has ever been found.Desktop Version
World Theater Day
World Theater Day
Today, all the world"s a stage. Every year on March 27, the curtains rise to thunderous applause in celebration of World Theater Day—an ode to an art form that has influenced the masses for centuries. The day aims to promote theater and raise awareness of how it has preserved ancient cultures, provided social commentary throughout history, and even helped form our language. Seen in the image today is the Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires, a symbol of Argentina"s rich theatrical heritage. Built in 1908, the theater is renowned for its grand architecture and exceptional acoustics, making it one of the world"s premier opera houses. Over the years, it has hosted performances by legendary figures such as Enrico Caruso, Richard Strauss, Lily Pons, Marina de Gabaráin, Joss Stone, Branford Marsalis, and many more. On this day dedicated to drama, let"s appreciate this art form that continues to narrate stories in the most spectacular way!Desktop Version
International Day of Human Space Flight
International Day of Human Space Flight
Not so long ago, humanity took its first step beyond Earth. For thousands of years, we gazed at the stars, dreaming of what lay beyond. Then, on April 12, 1961, one man left the planet and changed history forever. That morning, Soviet pilot Yuri Gagarin climbed into a small, spherical spacecraft named Vostok 1. The countdown began. The engines ignited. As the rocket roared toward the sky, he called out, "Poyekhali!"—"Let"s go!" And just like that, Earth had its first space traveler.Desktop Version
Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day
May the Force be with you on May 4, adopted by "Star Wars" fans as the day to celebrate their favorite franchise. Many will recognize Skellig Michael, the island on our homepage, as the location of scenes from the "Star Wars" sequels, "The Force Awakens" and "The Last Jedi." This UNESCO World Heritage Site appears in the movies as the planet Ahch-To, where Jedi master Luke Skywalker seeks refuge. Home to a 6th-century monastery with beehive huts and stone staircases, it also hosts a large seabird population that inspired the penguin-like porgs that roost on Ahch-To. Skellig Michael is about 7 miles off Ireland"s southwestern coast, daily visitors are limited, and boat trips are canceled if it is too stormy. Still, the island attracts "Star Wars" fans and others keen to see this ancient site, not so very far, far away.Desktop Version
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
This stunning 71,028-acre coastal haven on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County is a gem of the California coastline. Filled with scenic trails that wind through forests and along cliffs, it boasts breathtaking views and lots of wildlife. Point Reyes National Seashore also has a reputation as the most wind-swept spot on the Pacific Coast and the second-foggiest area in North America, so dress accordingly.Desktop Version
Frankenstein Friday
Frankenstein Friday
Picture yourself at the highest peak in the Alps, where the air is crisp and the views are breathtaking. The towering presence of Mont Blanc has left an indelible mark on literature, most notably on Mary Shelley"s "Frankenstein." The last Friday of October is Frankenstein Friday, honoring Shelley"s literary genius and the fascinating creature born from her imagination. "Frankenstein" was conceived during a ghost story challenge. In 1816, an 18-year-old Shelley, along with fellow writers Percy Bysshe Shelley, John Polidori, and Lord Byron, spent a stormy summer in Switzerland. Forced inside by incessant rain, she penned the tale of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. A pivotal scene in the novel takes place on a glacier near Mont Blanc, where Victor is confronted by his monstrous creation. This setting, with its surreal beauty and treacherous terrain, perfectly captures a sense of awe and terror.Desktop Version
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
The ruins of Italica, Andalusia, Spain
It was the year 206 BCE. In the wake of the decisive Roman victory against the Carthaginians at the Battle of Ilipa, General Publius Cornelius Scipio built a settlement for veterans on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, in modern-day Spain. It was named Italica and was the first Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. The city flourished in the following centuries and was the birthplace of two Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian.Desktop Version
Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Hustai National Park in Mongolia is home to a very special and rare breed, the Przewalski"s horse. Regarded by some as the only truly pure wild horse today, it is easily recognized by its pale yellowish-brown coat, a short, stiff mane, and short legs. The Przewalski"s horse, also called the "takhi" in Mongolia, was once extinct in the wild but has been successfully reintroduced through conservation efforts in the 1990s. An interesting fact about these horses is that they have 66 chromosomes, compared with 64 in domestic horses. Remarkably, Przewalski"s horses can mate with domestic horses to produce hybrids. These hybrids have 65 chromosomes and can breed and have their own offspring.Desktop Version
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From today, National Hispanic Heritage Month unfurls its vibrant celebrations of Hispanic Americans" contributions to US culture and society. The date coincides with the independence days of several Latin American nations, like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. Established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.Desktop Version
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month
Today marks the start of Native American Heritage Month. Throughout November, we honor the history, traditions, stories, and languages of Native Peoples. The Indigenous Peoples of North America have played a significant role in shaping our country, including the food we eat and the medicines that heal us. In addition to being a celebration, this month is also a time to reflect on the issues that Native Peoples face, including civil and voting rights, land access, and education.Desktop Version
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Today"s homepage takes us to the Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende, to toast Cinco de Mayo, or "Fifth of May." Not to be confused with Mexico"s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo instead marks Mexico’s 1862 triumph over France at the Battle of Puebla. The holiday is observed in Mexico but has become popular in the US since the 1980s thanks to various advertising campaigns. Here it has evolved into a wider celebration of Mexican culture, whether it is food, history, art, or the colorful architecture of cities like San Miguel de Allende, established in the 16th century, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Desktop Version
Aspens in the White River National Forest, Colorado
Aspens in the White River National Forest, Colorado
Slender white trunks reaching skyward and leaves fluttering even in the gentlest breeze—aspen trees are a symbol of the American wilderness. Found across the western states, especially in Utah and Colorado, these trees are the most widespread native species in North America. Their fall foliage is breathtaking, with their leaves turning a vibrant yellow that lights up the landscape, as seen in today"s photo, which was taken in the White River National Forest, Colorado.Desktop Version
Glacial rivers in Iceland
Glacial rivers in Iceland
Iceland"s glacial rivers have shaped the landscape here in the land of fire and ice over thousands of years. The rivers seen in today"s image are formed from the meltwater of vast glaciers like Vatnajökull, Langjökull, and Hofsjökull. Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Iceland, covers over 3,000 square miles—approximately 10% of the country"s landmass. As the glaciers melt, the water carries fine sediments, creating a braided river system with a milky appearance that contrasts with the earthy tones of the volcanic terrain. Every spring and summer, the rivers swell with seasonal meltwater, continually shaping and reshaping the land. Aerial views reveal their intricate patterns, interwoven across the terrain toward the North Atlantic Ocean. The water also powers hydroelectric power stations, reinforcing Iceland"s status as a leader in sustainable energy.Desktop Version