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The dog days of summer
The dog days of summer
Is it hot enough for you? Chances are it is, as we get into what are typically the hottest months of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, thanks to the tilt of the Earth angling more towards the sun in summer. You may have heard this sweltering period called the dog days of summer, though that name doesn"t come from hot dogs or panting pooches. Rather it comes from Sirius, the Dog Star, which becomes visible above the eastern horizon at daybreak during the summer. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, and is part of Canis Major, not to be confused with the Canis latrans, or coyote, in today"s image, who is just trying to beat the heat.Desktop Version
Bald cypress trees in Georgia
Bald cypress trees in Georgia
Fall foliage is the hallmark of autumn, when thoughts turn to flannel and corduroy, pumpkin spice and s"mores. Sunny days and crisp nights invite us to step outside to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. While some may consider the maples of New England the leaf-peeping gold standard, others would give the prize to the aspens of the Rocky Mountains or the cypress trees of the South.Desktop Version
World Parrot Day
World Parrot Day
World Parrot Day was started in 2004 and is celebrated every May 31 to bring attention to the birds" plight in the wild. These long-lived, charismatic, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate creatures are threatened by habitat loss, competition from invasive species, and trapping for the pet trade. Indeed, the qualities that make them darlings of the animal world also make them attractive as pets for people.Desktop Version
Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia
Daintree Rainforest and Noah Beach, Queensland, Australia
Welcome to a land where greenery meets the endless blue. On the North Queensland coast of Australia, encircled by dense foliage, is Noah Beach. A fascinating blend of two ecosystems, here the Daintree Rainforest seamlessly meets the azure waters of the Coral Sea. This secluded area of the Daintree National Park boasts a stretch of soft, golden sands while elsewhere there are towering trees, lush ferns, and other plant species unique to the area. The Daintree is believed to have been around for up to 180 million years, making it the oldest tropical rainforest in the world. It is also Australia"s largest uninterrupted stretch of tropical rainforest and home to rare species like Bennett"s tree-kangaroo, found nowhere else on our planet.Desktop Version
Manatee Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
Today we"re celebrating the lovely manatee! These marvelous marine mammals have a fascinating history that spans millions of years. They are related to elephants and their ancestors can be traced back to the Eocene era (about 56 to 33.9 million years ago), making them one of the oldest mammals on Earth. These slow-moving herbivores have, over time, adapted to life in warm, coastal waters.Desktop Version
Halemaumau Crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Halemaumau Crater, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
As National Park Week wraps up today, let"s explore a park in a land sculpted by fire and time—Hawai"i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. The Halema"uma"u Crater is an intermittent lava lake in Kīlauea, one of Earth"s most active volcanoes. Since it was first documented in 1823, volcanic activity has caused the crater to fill with lava, partially collapse, erupt in fountains of lava, expand to twice its size on two occasions, and at times fill with groundwater. All this activity demonstrates the unpredictable raw power that lies below the surface of the Earth. The natural and cultural importance of this site led to the establishment of Hawai"i Volcanoes National Park in 1916, and to it being named a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site in the 1980s.Desktop Version
World Lizard Day
World Lizard Day
From mythology to movies, lizards have often been portrayed as scary reptiles. But they"re not as dangerous as stories might lead you to believe. World Lizard Day is the perfect time to learn about these cold-blooded creatures. With more than 7,000 species, lizards have adapted to a wide range of environments—from deserts to rainforests. Take geckos—these little climbers have toe pads that let them scale walls and walk on ceilings. Then there are chameleons with their color-changing skin. While many think it"s all about blending in, this ability is also used to communicate and regulate temperature.Desktop Version
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
Many people in Asia celebrate the fall harvest season with the Mid-Autumn Festival—and since the moon is the, um, star of the show, it"s also known as the Moon Festival. The holiday falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year and coincides with the full moon. Our photo features a moon installation from the festivities in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. The city is known for its colorful decorations and lively activities during the festival: Crowds flood the city to watch puppet shows, dragon dances, and parades lit by lanterns.Desktop Version
Skyscraper Day
Skyscraper Day
The Petronas Twin Towers are the unmistakable calling card of the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur, affectionately called KL. The 88-story, 1,483-foot cylindrical towers were the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1996, until 2004 when Taiwan"s Taipei 101 topped them by almost 200 feet. Still the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world, they"re our perfect inspiration today on Skyscraper Day, set aside to appreciate such engineering and architectural feats.Desktop Version
A century since Tut s tomb was discovered
A century since Tut s tomb was discovered
A hundred years ago today, British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, better known as King Tut, in Egypt"s Valley of the Kings. Though they first uncovered the tomb of the "boy king" on November 4, 1922, Carter and crew took years to excavate the burial site. What they found astonished the world. It was loaded with more than 5,000 artifacts, including a solid gold coffin, face mask, thrones, archery bows, trumpets, a lotus chalice, furniture, food, wine, sandals, gold caps to protect Tut"s toes, and fresh linen underwear. Because you should always bring clean undies, even when you"re crossing into the realm of the dead.Desktop Version
Happy Fathers Day!
Happy Fathers Day!
Father"s Day may appear to go hand in hand with Mother"s Day, but this wasn"t always the case. It was proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd, who believed fathers should have their own celebration, perhaps motivated by the inaugural Mother"s Day of 1908. Father"s Day was first celebrated in 1910 and was recognized by President Woodrow Wilson six years later. It fell out of popular practice in the 1920s but eventually regained popularity—partly due to marketing—and was set as a permanent national observance by President Richard Nixon in 1972. Our homepage image today shows a common tern papa, doing his bit for the family—with this species, both parents build the nest and incubate the eggs.Desktop Version
New York City Marathon
New York City Marathon
The route for the 2022 New York City Marathon starts right here at the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, crossing from Staten Island into Brooklyn and eventually coursing through all five boroughs of New York. This photo gives you an idea just how many people will be running today. Because the race starts early on a November morning, many runners show up in layered clothing to beat the typical chill. But once they heat up from running, those layers come off and are often discarded on sidewalks. Race organizers collect the activewear left behind by 50,000 runners, about 26 tons a year, and donate it to charity.Desktop Version
SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
Deep in the snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland is a city that claims to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is a gateway to the Arctic Circle and a destination where reality and folklore merge. Visitors can watch the Northern Lights, explore the Arctic wilderness, and experience the magic of Christmas at various Santa-themed attractions, including SantaPark, an underground theme park designed to emulate the cavern home of the man himself, and the Santa Claus Village. The entrance to SantaPark, lit by glowing lights, is pictured on our homepage today. Other attractions in Rovaniemi include a hotel built from snow and ice, a popular ski resort, and horse sleigh rides around a vast frozen lake.Desktop Version
Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela
Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela
In the heart of the wilderness, an awe-inspiring sight plummets from a mountain—the Churún Merú waterfall in Venezuela. Also known as Dragon Falls, the cascade featured in today"s image is in a narrow niche at the southern end of the canyon that divides the mountain of Auyán-tepui. Falling from around 1,300 feet, Churún Merú is joined by a neighboring stream in the wet season. Venezuela is home to some of the world"s most impressive natural wonders, including the highest waterfall on Earth, Angel Falls, found some 4 miles south of Churún Merú. So, whether you"re after angels or dragons, Venezuela has a waterfall for you!Desktop Version
Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous Peoples Day
We"re celebrating Indigenous Peoples" Day by peering through the sculpture called "Circle of Sacred Smoke" aka "Wind Circle" or "Circle Wind" at Devils Tower, one of the most famous rock monoliths in the US. The "Circle," sculpted by Japanese artist Junkyu Muto and installed in 2008, is the third of seven "peace sculptures" placed around the world. Twelve feet high and made of white marble, it"s intended to evoke a puff of smoke from a Native American ceremonial pipe.Desktop Version
Château de Villandry, France
Château de Villandry, France
The Château de Villandry in France is renowned for its exquisite gardens that are considered a masterpiece of Renaissance horticulture. The gardens, which are divided into sections, feature geometric patterns, vibrant flowerbeds, serene water elements, and meticulously trimmed hedges. Each section has its own theme, ranging from ornamental to practical, and is bursting with a stunning blend of colors and textures. The château"s gardens showcase the harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. Stunning gardens have surrounded the château since it was built in 1532, but their appearance changed drastically over the centuries. After Joachim Carvallo acquired the estate, he spent 10 years from 1918 reinventing and restoring the Renaissance formal gardens. Other elements have been added in the decades since and the gardens continue to captivate visitors to this day.Desktop Version
St. Patricks Day
St. Patricks Day
Today, we"re looking out to sea from the green pastures of St Finian"s Bay in County Kerry, Ireland, to celebrate St Patrick"s Day. The country"s patron saint introduced Christianity to Ireland around the year 432, and his passing on March 17, 461, became a day of commemoration in his homeland.Desktop Version
National Bison Day
National Bison Day
When temperatures plunge, the American bison couldn"t care less. These burly mammals are ready for snow with their shaggy coats and massive bodies weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Our homepage bison are pictured in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, home to one of the largest and oldest herds in the country. Bison have roamed here since prehistoric times.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
Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan
Al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan
Welcome to the ancient temple of Al-Khazneh in the desert city of Petra, Jordan. Carved out of a single sandstone rock about 2,000 years ago by the Nabataean people, it is believed to have been a mausoleum for King Aretas IV. Standing 141 feet tall, its massive doorway is framed with towering columns and intricate carvings. It is the most recognizable structure of this "rose city" of temples and tombs carved from pink sandstone.Desktop Version
Tafilalet oasis in Morocco
Tafilalet oasis in Morocco
Today we"ve arrived at the walls of a kasbah in Tafilalet, home to the largest oasis in Morocco. Meaning "jug" in the language of the ancient Amazigh people (aka Berbers), Tafilalet was named for the pottery jars they filled with water from underground springs. After the first permanent settlement of the region, Sijilmassa, was founded in 757 CE, Tafilalet became a stopping point for caravans traveling from the Niger River to Tangier on the northern tip of Morocco and the gateway to Europe.Desktop Version
The Wave at Coyote Buttes
The Wave at Coyote Buttes
By showing you this coveted sight, we"re saving you a bit of an ordeal. To get a close-up view of the Wave, a whorled sandstone formation in the northern Arizona wilderness, you"d have to navigate a rugged and mostly trail-free hiking route in typically scorching temperatures. You"d also need to have a permit in your pocket. To protect the landscape, only a small number of permits are available, offered through a daily lottery. But maybe for you the journey is at least as important as the destination? If so, this is just one hike of many in the expansive Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, which protects more than 100,000 acres of Arizona and Utah canyonland.Desktop Version
A. M. Foster Bridge in Cabot, Vermont
A. M. Foster Bridge in Cabot, Vermont
At one point in history, the United States had upwards of 14,000 wooden covered bridges. Most of them were built between 1825 and 1875 to cross a stream or river and were intended to withstand the elements. An uncovered wooden bridge may have a life span of only about 20 years while a covered bridge could stand for more than 100. Even still, they don"t fare well without upkeep and restoration costs can be high. That"s why iron replaced wood as the preferred bridge-building material in the mid-1800s. These days, fewer than 900 of the original wooden covered bridges are believed to still be standing. The A. M. Foster Bridge, seen in today"s photo, can be found in Cabot, Vermont.Desktop Version
International Archaeology Day
International Archaeology Day
Naqsh-e Rostam is an ancient necropolis carved into the mountains of southwestern Iran, a porthole into one of the earliest civilizations to flourish in ancient Persia. The tombs of four Achaemenid kings (you can see three of them here) are marked by rock reliefs carved high above the ground into the cliff face. This site and the area around it are of huge significance to the history of Iran and its people. They"re also a shining example of the role archaeology plays in understanding our past. On the third Saturday of every October, we pause to celebrate and recognize the contributions of archaeologists as interpreters of human history.Desktop Version
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day
Is there another animal that has as coveted a life as the sloth? Your answer depends on how highly you rate the ability to just laze around all day, but in honor of International Sloth Day, let"s all just embrace slothfulness. If you want to live the sloth life, head outside and hang upside down in the nearest tree. You won"t be able to dangle there as long as a sloth though, because they spend most of their lives doing it. Their arms, legs, hands, and feet evolved for literally "hanging around" like the pair of Hoffmann"s two-toed sloths in today"s photo.Desktop Version