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Dec 22, 2023Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria, United Kingdom

According to archaeologists, ancient civilisations arranged stone circles to align with lunar and solar positions, which were used to celebrate events such as the solstice. Today"s image showcases the Castlerigg Stone Circle, an ancient Neolithic monument located in the Lake District National Park, Northwest England. The impressive site dates back to 3000 BCE and boasts 40 stones arranged in a circular pattern. While some aspects of Castlerigg"s solar alignments remain a mystery, the allure of its ancient charm has drawn visitors and researchers throughout the centuries.Desktop Version

Nov 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA

Today"s image gives us a glimpse of beautiful Grand Teton National Park, 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 240 kilometres 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

Aug 28, 2023Dubrovnik, Croatia

Though you might instinctively watch out for invading fleets or dragons overhead, you"re more likely to encounter a tourist than a Lannister in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. As you may know, "Game of Thrones" filmed here frequently throughout the run of the show, and you can scarcely blame them; Dubrovnik"s Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. For centuries, it flourished as the Republic of Ragusa, maintaining independence through diplomacy and robust trade networks. This "Pearl of the Adriatic" has withstood military bombardments and devastating earthquakes, yet the city has always rebuilt and persevered. While pop culture, history and UNESCO World Heritage Site status are all big draws, they might be too effective: A recent report estimated that in 2019, there were 36 tourists for every resident.Desktop Version

Mar 8, 2024Iguazú Falls, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil

Welcome to the largest waterfall system in the world! The Iguazú Falls, on the border between Brazil and Argentina, are waterfalls of the Iguazú River, attracting visitors all year round. This landmark earned the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and was elected as one of the seven natural wonders of the world by the New 7 Wonders Foundation.Desktop Version

Nov 1, 2023Haut-Barr Castle, Vosges, France

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 23, 2025Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi, Japan

Nearly 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo stands one of Japan"s cultural icons: Mount Fuji. The country"s tallest mountain rises more than 3,000 metres above the surrounding landscape, with its near-symmetrical cone covered in snow for nearly five months each year. For centuries, Fujisan—as it is known in Japanese—has been worshipped as a sacred mountain. In the Shinto faith, Fuji is deified as Asama no Okami and shrines dedicated to it are built within sight of the mountain. Mount Fuji is one of Japan"s cherished "Three Holy Mountains" along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. In 2013, it was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural importance.Desktop Version

Feb 9, 2024Pegadung Rock, Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia

If you"re seeking an unspoiled landscape where nature displays raw beauty and power, Pegadung Rock on the southern coast of Indonesia"s island of Sumatra, could be the place for you. While the beach boasts turquoise waters, sandy shores, and crashing waves, it"s the shark-teeth-like rocks, standing as tall as 10 metres feet against the currents of the Indian Ocean, that truly steal the show. These rock formations have earned the area nicknames such as "rock screen" and "shark"s teeth." While this beach has no tourist accommodation, the nearby Kiluan Bay village presents a haven for visitors. For those ready to trade lounging for exploring, this Sumatran treasure awaits.Desktop Version

Dec 10, 2023Llyn Padarn lake, Snowdonia, Wales

From sparkling llyns, mountain hikes, cascading waterfalls to ruined castles, Snowdonia never ceases to amaze. Pictured here is Llyn Padarn, near the charming village of Llanberis. At about 3.2 kilometres in length and 29 metres in depth, this glacial lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales. This example of a moraine-dammed lake has been designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a bathing water. Whether you"re an enthusiast of kayaking, paddleboarding or simply want to immerse your toes in the water, it has your back. In addition, its shores are dotted with remnants of slate quarries, providing a glimpse into the region"s industrial past. While you"re there, don"t forget to explore the nearby Dolbadarn Castle, a historic gem that adds an extra layer of antiquity to your journey.Desktop Version

Mar 25, 2024Tulip fields in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

The tulips of the Fraser Valley, seen in today"s image, are bursting with vibrant colour in preparation for the Abbotsford Tulip Festival in April. Abbotsford"s rich soil is nourished by the Fraser River, flowing along the city"s northern border in British Columbia, Canada. The first inhabitants of Abbotsford were the Stó:lō Nation, residing in the area around 4,000 to 10,000 years ago.Desktop Version

Mar 18, 2024Elephant Rock, Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia

Over millions of years, the dazzling sandstone formation known as Elephant Rock was carved by nature. Thanks to the wind and water erosion, this 52-metre-high rock near the city of Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia took on the shape of an elephant and has become a prominent landmark in the region. As the sun sets, it casts a warm glow upon the red-hued mammoth and the golden sand of the surrounding desert.Desktop Version

Aug 20, 2023Start Point Lighthouse, South Devon, England

Standing tall on a rugged cliff in Devon, England, overlooking the English Channel, the Start Point Lighthouse is probably one of the most renowned maritime structures in the country. Built in 1836, this elegant lighthouse was designed by James Walker—a British civil engineer—and its bright beam guided vessels to safe passage throughout its existence. Towering structures such as this have always played an invaluable role in shaping maritime history and ensuring the safety of seafarers in treacherous waters worldwide. The Start Point Lighthouse is open to the public in the summer months if you find yourself nearby and would like to see it up close.Desktop Version

Aug 23, 2023Skógafoss waterfall, Iceland

Skógafoss waterfall in Iceland is a breathtaking natural wonder, making an impressive splash on today"s image. Skógafoss is renowned as one of the largest waterfalls in the country, with a width of almost 25 metres and a vertical drop of around 61 metres. The captivating Skógafoss frequently graces visitors with the sight of vibrant single or double rainbows, formed by the refraction of sunlight through the mist. Adding to its enchanting appeal, legend has it that a treasure chest is hidden behind Skógafoss, left there by a Viking settler named Prasi Porolfsson.Desktop Version

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 over half 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

Mar 22, 2024Blue Spring, Te Waihou Walkway, New Zealand

Explore the Te Waihou Walkway while hiking along the Waihou River in New Zealand. This trail near Putāruru—officially opened by former Prime Minister Helen Clark in 2000—leads to the Blue Spring. The spring, famous for its pure water, supplies 70% of the country"s bottled water, which is sourced from an underground aquifer system. The water, radiating vivid shades of blue and green, has a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius all year round. With a robust flow rate of 42 metres per minute, it could fill a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool in just over 12 minutes. Called "Te Puna" in Maori, the spring is a natural taonga (treasure). So don"t be tempted to splash in the water; to preserve the unique vegetation and ecosystem, swimming is prohibited.Desktop Version

Feb 22, 2024Bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, Australia

The Brighton Bathing Boxes on Melbourne"s Brighton Beach, painted with a rainbow of colours, are enduring relics. With recent additions bringing their total to 96, these huts have become one of Melbourne"s premier tourist attractions. The history of bathing boxes goes back to when they first popped up on Brighton"s coastline in 1860, providing a modest cover for bathers swapping for their bathing suits. Worn out and damaged during the post-World War I depression, the beach huts received collective maintenance in 1934. Despite the upkeep, the multi-hued structures were faced with the threat of removal in 1952. But thanks to the Brighton Bathing Box Association for successfully securing their survival, we can still enjoy the vibrant coastguards today!Desktop Version

Mar 11, 2024Koala sleeping in a eucalyptus tree

Take a cue from today"s image; this sleepy koala may inspire you to catch some Z"s. Despite being commonly called "koala bears," the koala is not a bear. Koalas are marsupials, a type of mammal that carries and nurses their young offspring in a pouch. 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. Koalas are herbivores and their diet consists exclusively of eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are very fibrous and difficult to digest, but koalas have a specialised digestive system that allows them to break down the tough cellulose in the leaves.Desktop Version

Jan 4, 2024Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

An exemplary engineering accomplishment, the Golden Gate Bridge stands like a sentinel over the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Blanketed by the fog above the waters of the Golden Gate Strait, its towers, adorned with Art Deco elements, reach a height of 227 metres. This bridge was the result of combined efforts put in by engineer Joseph Strauss, architect Irving Marrow and many others towards connecting San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge was painted International Orange—the golden adjective refers to the sun-reflecting waters below—and was opened to the public in 1937. It wasn"t an easy vision to accomplish, especially as it was built during the Great Depression. The infrastructure investment paid off, as its construction employed thousands, contributing to both local employment and technological growth. The Golden Gate Bridge, a testament to human innovation, is a timeless masterpiece blending functionality with beauty.Desktop Version

Jan 17, 2024Eurasian wolf

There aren"t a lot of things that beat a cosy winter nap. This Eurasian wolf agrees, having been lulled to sleep by the serene surroundings of the Bavarian Forest National Park, or perhaps just the comfort in knowing they"re an apex predator. This national park—Germany"s first, established in 1970—comprises the largest area of forest in Central Europe. The softly rolling mountains, such as Great Rachel, Little Rachel and Little Arber, make for modest challenges for hikers who wish to wander through the abundant stands of Norway spruce. They aren"t alone in the park though—the forest teems with life, including lynxes, bears, pygmy owls and Eurasian wolves. These wolves form a close-knit pack led by an alpha pair and have only recently been spotted regularly in the park after decades of being hunted out of Western Europe.Desktop Version

Apr 8, 2024European hedgehog

A big hurray for spring for generously spreading delicious scents in the air, awakening our senses after the barren winter days. European hedgehogs have a developed sense of smell, which allows them to experience the best fragrances of the season. These nocturnal creatures usually rest in their nests made of leaves and grass during the day, venturing out to explore their surroundings at night. But when an adventurous individual takes advantage of the daylight, they might sniff through the sea of yellow dandelion flowers, just like this spiky creature in today"s image. As skilled hunters of insects and small animals, hedgehogs contribute to the diversity of this living ecosystem by consuming aphids, beetles and snails, helping to control populations of pests. So, if you come across one, respect its space and avoid scaring or disturbing it so that it can continue its own journey.Desktop Version

Sep 18, 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Portugal

Methodical observations of the night sky started with early civilisations, and astronomy, the oldest natural science that studies celestial objects and their phenomena, is still a modern source of fascination around our own ever-orbiting planet. That love of the night sky is what brings stargazers to Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a site free from heavy light pollution.Desktop Version

Nov 28, 2023Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, Canada

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of British Columbia, Mount Assiniboine and its surrounding provincial park form a captivating alpine wonderland. Also known as the "Matterhorn of the Rockies", this majestic peak rises to 3,618 metres, commanding attention with its rugged grandeur. The name Assiniboine pays homage to the Indigenous Assiniboine people who once resided here. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, a protected expanse spanning over 39,000 hectares, fosters wildlife including grizzlies, cougars and mountain goats. A network of trails weaves through this terrain, providing opportunities for hiking, skiing and camping. Sheltered by the mountains, this park embodies the essence of untamed beauty in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.Desktop Version

Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia

These aren"t your ordinary rocks! One of the oldest known religious locations, the Devils Marbles, holds significant value for Aboriginal Australians as an ancient sacred site. Today, the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve—also called Karlu Karlu—in the Northern Territory of Australia preserves the collection of giant, round, gravity-defying boulders. These rocks are composed of granite, and their peculiar shape is the result of millions of years of weathering and erosion. Did you know that the Earth"s oldest rock is truly out of this world? Lunar sample 14321, or "Big Bertha," has been dated to be approximately 4.46 billion years old—just a smidge younger than the Earth itself—and was recovered from the moon during the Apollo 14 mission. Scientists believe that the rock was a meteorite from Earth that hit the moon, and then we brought it all the way back, millions of years later. Whether you"re a geology nerd or just a casual nature lover, embrace the minerals around you and rock on!Desktop Version

Dec 9, 2023Guanacos, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

You"ll need to visit the Andes mountains to see guanacos in the wild. Guanacos are believed to have originated in the central plains of North America approximately 40 million years ago. However, they gradually migrated to South America, where they were domesticated around 4,500 BCE, gaining the llama moniker.Desktop Version

Feb 26, 2024Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

105 years have passed since President Woodrow Wilson signed the designation of the Grand Canyon National Park, back in 1919. Located in Arizona, the origin of the Grand Canyon—an exceptional landscape formed by the river, wind and landslides—dates back between 5 and 6 million years ago. The canyon holds the stories of Native Americans, European and American pioneers and travellers, along with geological wonders including steep valleys and colourful rock formations. All of these areas are supervised by the National Park Service. In addition to tourist adventures such as cruising on the Colorado River, joining the Trail of Time walking tour or climbing up to the Desert View Watchtower, the park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a registered International Dark Sky Park for crystal-clear stargazing.Desktop Version

Feb 29, 2024Eurasian red squirrel

The creature leaping in today"s image is the European red squirrel. They can be found in boreal and coniferous forests in Europe and Siberia, where they live in trees like Scots pine, Norway spruce and Siberian pine. Their long bushy tail helps them to balance while they scamper through the treetops, and it may even help to keep them warm when they"re asleep. With their strong hind legs, they can leap the long distances between trees. Their diet primarily consists of seeds from trees—those obtained by stripping conifer cones—as well as fungi, nuts, berries, vegetables and more.Desktop Version

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