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Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Welcome to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, United States. This is a place where history and nature intertwine. This secluded island, reachable only by ferry or small plane, offers 16 miles of untouched beaches and a wealth of stories. The Ocracoke Lighthouse, seen in today"s image, stands out as a notable landmark. The lighthouse celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in North Carolina. It boasts an 8,000-candlepower light, which can be seen up to 14 miles offshore.Desktop Version
World Penguin Day
World Penguin Day
Why fly when you can slide? Happy World Penguin Day! These flightless birds primarily inhabit Antarctica, with species varying from emperor penguins to today"s image star, Adélie penguins. In 1840, the French adventurer Jules Dumont d"Urville discovered the Adélie penguins and honoured his wife, Adèle Dorothée, by naming them after her. Despite their small size, Adélie penguins are sleek swimmers and can dive as deep as 175 metres in search of shrimp-like krill or fish. They are social animals which gather in small colonies for foraging, hunting and protection. While it may seem mischievous, Adélies steal pebbles from nearby nests to strengthen their own, safeguarding their eggs and chicks from Antarctica"s harsh conditions and predators.Desktop Version
Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
Zahara de la Sierra, a stunning whitewashed village in the hills of Cádiz, Spain, offers a perfect blend of history and nature in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched on a rocky hilltop, the village seen in today"s image overlooks the turquoise Zahara-El Gastor reservoir and the lush Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977. Its iconic Moorish castle ruins and the 15th-century tower reflect its history as a medieval fortress. Stroll through narrow streets lined with flower-filled balconies, visit the picturesque church of Santa María de la Mesa, or simply relax and take in the breathtaking views. Zahara is also a gateway to adventure—activities like hiking, cycling and kayaking are only a little of what the village has to offer.Desktop Version
World Architecture Day
World Architecture Day
Build your excitement—it"s World Architecture Day. Initiated by the International Union of Architects in 1985, this day is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Today"s image features the Elbphilharmonie on the Grasbrook peninsula of the Elbe River in Hamburg, Germany. Designed by the Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, this concert hall is a modern architectural marvel perched atop an old brick warehouse from 1963. A centrepiece of the new Hafencity development, it"s Hamburg"s tallest inhabited building—there are 45 luxury apartments on the upper floors—reaching a height of 114 metres.Desktop Version
Vineyards above the Moselle River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Vineyards above the Moselle River, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Welcome to Palatinate, a wine lover"s dream come true. Known for its picturesque vineyards, the Palatinate in western Germany is characterised by rolling hills, fertile soils and a warm climate. This favourable terroir allows for the cultivation of a diverse variety of grapes. While Riesling reigns supreme, other notable varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Müller-Thurgau and Dornfelder. Palatinate is the largest red wine-producing region in the country, with over 40% of the vineyards devoted to it.Desktop Version
World Octopus Day
World Octopus Day
Today, we celebrate a creature with three hearts and the uncanny ability to change colour at will: the octopus. Octopuses are cephalopods, marine animals like squids and cuttlefish that have tentacles. Among their many species is the mototi octopus, pictured here. It was discovered in 1999 around Rapa Island in the South Pacific and is known for the "fake eyes" or ocelli—vibrant blue and yellow rings—between its eyes and arms. Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Australia and Okinawa in Japan, mototi octopuses are masters of disguise. They usually have a dull orange-cream-brown colour but when alarmed, they can quickly shift to striking maroon with white stripes along their body and arms. Also known as poison ocellate octopuses, these cephalopods are highly venomous. But you don"t need to worry about running into one, because they tend to be shy and solitary, often hiding in crevices, shells or man-made objects like bottles and cans.Desktop Version
Gollinger Waterfalls, Salzburg, Austria
Gollinger Waterfalls, Salzburg, Austria
From the untamed Salzachöfen Gorge, to the world"s oldest salt mines at Hallein, to Eisriesenwelt, the largest ice cave in the world, Austria is home to many wonders. Though gentle and humble, the Golling Waterfalls in the state of Salzburg are certainly one of them. With two major cascades, one tumbling down after the other from the mouth of the Schwarzbachfall cave, this 76-metre fall is a sight to behold in every season—whether it"s framed by the lush greenery of spring or the icy embrace of winter. The region has been protected as a natural monument in Austria since 1985. Whether you are into hiking, photography or just looking to spend some quality time in nature, this is a great Austrian destination.Desktop Version
Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
Blue hour in Trondheim, Norway
In Norway, winter isn"t just a season—it"s an experience. In the north of the country, nights stretch for 20 hours, and there are entire weeks when the sun remains hidden below the horizon. It might sound bleak, but it"s a unique time of the year. Why? Because around early afternoon, usually between 1 and 2 PM, a soft, lingering light reflects off the snow-covered ground and the deep blue sea. This forms a breathtaking, glassy blue glow that settles over the landscape. Each day, the blue hour arrives just a little later, a gentle reminder that the sun is slowly preparing to reclaim the sky.Desktop Version
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
As autumn covers the landscape with amber hues and the chill of Halloween approaches, the time-honoured tradition of carving jack-o"-lanterns comes to life. Originally from Ireland and Scotland, this craft was taken to America by immigrants who initially used turnips and potatoes to create lanterns, but later found pumpkins more plentiful and easier to carve. By hollowing out pumpkins and lighting them with candles, they transformed the gourds into flickering defences against evil spirits.Desktop Version
Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
In Japan"s Gifu Prefecture, Gujō Hachiman Castle stands majestically on Hachiman Mountain. Originally constructed in 1559, this castle has witnessed centuries of Japanese history, including the rise and fall of powerful clans. It was torn down during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration—the period that marked the return of imperial power in the country— but was rebuilt in 1933. The castle seen in today"s image is a unique wooden reconstruction, a rarity among Japan"s often concrete-rebuilt castles. This five-story structure, which includes a museum, offers a glimpse into feudal Japan while providing stunning views of the valley below. In addition to the castle, the city of Gujō is also famous for hosting the Gujō Odori, one of Japan"s oldest dance festivals. Held annually from mid-July to early September, the festival sees locals and tourists alike dancing through the night in the castle town, preserving a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.Desktop Version
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
Today, we"re raising a stein and saying Prost! Step into the capital of Bavaria, Germany, pictured here, for a celebration like no other. Oktoberfest, dating back to 1810, starts today in Munich. This grand event is a vibrant blend of Bavarian culture, tradition and, of course, beer.Desktop Version
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to this eco-travellers" paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Situated halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa, the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 to conserve, manage and restore the United States" fish, wildlife, plants and habitats.Desktop Version
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States
Carved by the Colorado River, nearly 2 billion years of Earth"s history are exposed in the layers of the Grand Canyon. While geologists continue to debate parts of the formation story of the canyon, recent studies suggest the river carved its path through the region about 5 to 6 million years ago. Since then, the river has been deepening and widening the canyon while sculpting its dramatic geographic features.Desktop Version
Virgin Islands National Park, USA
Virgin Islands National Park, USA
In 1956, businessman and conservationist Laurance Rockefeller saw the beauty of Saint John, one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, and knew it had to be preserved. Fast forward to today, and we"re marking the 68th anniversary of the creation of the Virgin Islands National Park. Covering about 60% of the island and 5,650 acres (2,286 hectares) of submerged lands, this park is a living example of preservation—thanks to Rockefeller, who donated over 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of his land to the US government. Even after the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, the park bounced back stronger than ever, welcoming over 100,000 visitors in 2018.Desktop Version
Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival
Every May, Brighton trades buckets and spades for beats and parades. The beach stays put, but the city transforms into a giant stage during the Brighton Festival—a three-week celebration where art spills out of theatres, dances down alleyways and occasionally juggles fire on the seafront. Started in 1967, the Brighton Festival has grown into one of England"s largest curated multi-arts festivals. This year, the fest is taking place from 3 to 26 May in venues across Brighton, Hove and Sussex, featuring 120 events, exhibitions and installations. Each year, the event hands the creative reins to a guest director, often an artist with something fresh to say. From authors to musicians to activists, these directors shape the theme and vibe of the festival. Grammy-nominated, genre-defying musician, composer, and activist Anoushka Shankar was inspired by the theme of "New Dawn" for this year"s programme.Desktop Version
El Capitan, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
El Capitan, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
Today, let us take you to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in western Texas. The park, officially established in 1972, covers almost 135 square miles today. Here, the Guadalupe Mountains rise over the salt dunes of the Chihuahuan Desert. At 2,667 metres, the highest point of the mountain range—and of Texas—is the Guadalupe Peak. Another outstanding landmark, often used as a waymark for travellers, is the 2,464-metre-high El Capitan—not to be confused with the more famous, but shorter, El Capitan in California—limestone cliff, seen in today"s image. Even if you don"t have plans now; there are plenty of days in the year to visit the United States" abundant natural splendour.Desktop Version
Brown pelican, San Diego, California, United States
Brown pelican, San Diego, California, United States
Today"s image features the brown pelican, a bird that doesn"t just fly but soars, spots and dives with unmatched precision. Although it"s the smallest of the eight pelican species worldwide, it"s still a large bird, measuring more than a metre in length and having a wingspan of nearly two metres. It"s a marine-dwelling species and can be spotted along the Atlantic coast of the Americas, from New Jersey to the mouth of the Amazon River. On the Pacific coast, it can be spotted from British Columbia all the way to Peru, including a stop at the Galapagos Islands.Desktop Version
Cowes Week
Cowes Week
Ahoy, sailing enthusiasts and landlubbers alike! Cowes Week is here, promising a wave of excitement from July 27 to August 2. Held annually since 1826, this regatta takes place on the Solent, the strait separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland. The event was started by the Royal Yacht Squadron, and it has grown over the years. Today, Cowes Week sees around 7,000 competitors in some 750 boats. From Olympic champions to weekend sailors, everyone is here to show off their sailing skills. There are as many as 40 races a day, catering to different classes of boats, from high-tech racing yachts to classic wooden sailboats.Desktop Version
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day
It"s time to step into the wild! World Wildlife Day is an annual event that emphasises the need for worldwide conservation efforts. This year"s theme focuses on advances in digital technology that can be used to help preserve wildlife: It can improve research, communication and DNA analysis. Digital platforms can also be a way to get younger people involved in the efforts to protect our planet"s animals.Desktop Version
The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA
The Painted Hills, Oregon, USA
Featured here is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, specifically the mesmerising Painted Hills. Layers of vividly coloured clay-rich soils make for a captivating landscape. These hills contain a record of changing climates and ecosystems that spans millions of years. Here, visitors can explore a museum that displays fossils of plants and animals that thrived long ago. One can get a glimpse of fossils of opossums, oreodonts, sabre-toothed tigers and turtles by visiting the Clarno unit of the monument. These remnants serve as a reminder of the dynamic and fascinating history our planet holds.Desktop Version
Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
Norway is home to many beautiful natural features, and birch forests are one of them. Surrounded by the "silver forests" and situated within the embrace of the fjords, Drammen, a city in Norway, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Birch trees flourish at high altitudes, making them a natural fit for the mountainous region. When summer passes and autumn takes over, birch leaves transform into a mosaic of gold and crimson in stark contrast to the slender trunks and pale bark. This striking seasonal change may be part of why birch trees are associated with new beginnings and renewal. These trees aren"t just for looks, they provide habitat and sustenance for wildlife, and can be used for firewood and in construction.Desktop Version
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
Every year, since 1983, garlic lovers and culinary adventurers from around the globe flock to the Isle of Wight for a festival that"s as aromatic as it is appetising—The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival. This quirky celebration of all things garlic is taking place near Newchurch village on the Isle of Wight, from August 17-18. From traditional garlic bread to more adventurous offerings like garlic fudge, garlic ice cream and garlic beer, there"s something to satisfy every palate. The festival is also a hub of entertainment and activities for all ages, with live music filling the air. Kids can enjoy face painting, garlic-themed games, and even garlic bulb planting workshops. For those who can"t get enough garlic in their lives, the event offers ample opportunities to stock up.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
European Day of Parks
European Day of Parks
Today is European Day of Parks! On this day in 1909, Europe"s first nine national parks were founded in Sweden. This year, the celebration puts the spotlight on the vital role of protected areas in shaping and implementing nature policies. Additionally, it highlights how they contribute to building a sustainable and resilient society for European citizens. Essentially, these areas are more than just guardians of biodiversity; they are also pillars of our collective well-being, reminding us to preserve our natural heritage.Desktop Version
Sea otters
Sea otters
It"s hard not to smile when you spot a sea otter. Their whiskery faces, busy paws and thick fur give the impression of a stuffed animal that has come to life and taken to the ocean. Native to the Pacific Ocean, these heaviest members of the weasel family can be found along the coast from Japan to Mexico. They aren"t just cute though, they also play a vital role in the kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check. Once numbered as high as 300,000, their worldwide population had dropped to fewer than 2,000 after widespread hunting. International protections were put into place in 1911 and numbers have rebounded to around 125,000, but they still remain endangered. While some habitats never recovered, others have emerged in entirely new locations, such as Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve that"s pictured here. In 1995, five sea otters were spotted in Glacier Bay and today there are over 8,000 that hunt, play and raise pups in the kelp-abundant waters.Desktop Version