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Sep. 23, 2024Sea Otter Awareness Week

This week is Sea Otter Awareness Week, an event that draws attention to these fluffy floating mammals. The otter featured in today"s image was photographed in Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States. Sea otters are native to the northern and eastern coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. Weighing 14 to 45 kilograms, they"re expert foragers, diving to the seabed to find food. These clever critters are smart as well as cute: they use rocks to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few animals that use tools. There used to be as many as 300,000 in the wild, but they were heavily hunted for almost two centuries, as their dense fur was highly prized.Desktop Version

Jun. 19, 2025Vila Franca Islet, São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal

Not far from São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago of Portugal, you"ll find Vila Franca Islet. This uninhabited green islet sits quietly just south of the town of Vila Franca do Campo. Beneath its serene surface, this gem holds a lively past. First documented in 1537, around the time when settlers from São Miguel began expanding westward, Vila Franca Islet has played many roles throughout its history. It has served as a military fort, a port, a vineyard site and even a lookout for whale-watching.Desktop Version

Jan. 29, 2025Chinese New Year

The streets come alive today with a symphony of firecrackers, red lanterns and cheerful chatter—it"s Chinese New Year. Steeped in thousands of years of tradition, this holiday marks the start of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. One of the most captivating images associated with this festival is the dragon dance, pictured here. This is a mesmerising performance where skilled dancers manipulate a long, flexible dragon puppet, bringing it to life with sinuous, undulating movements. The dragon, a symbol of power, dignity and good fortune, is believed to bring luck to the community, with longer dragons bringing even more prosperity.Desktop Version

Oct. 31, 2024Happy Halloween!

Do you sometimes get spooked? If you do, that means you have a healthy sense of fun and fear. And what better day of the year than Halloween to indulge in all things scary? The holiday we know today traces its roots to ancient traditions, including the Celts" Samhain, the Romans" Feralia and medieval Christian observances. Today, costumed people mingle in the streets, not unlike their ancestors who donned animal skins to divine the future or celebrate saints and martyrs.Desktop Version

Nov. 8, 2024Glacial rivers, Iceland

Glacial rivers in "the land of fire and ice"—Iceland—have shaped the landscape 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 7,500 square kilometres—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, resembling complex artworks that interweave across the terrain toward the North Atlantic Ocean. The water in Iceland is more than just a beautiful sight; it plays a significant role in renewable energy. Its flow powers hydroelectric power stations, reinforcing Iceland"s status as a leader in sustainable energy.Desktop Version

Sep. 15, 2025Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia

Follow the curve of the Cabot Trail, and you will find yourself in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, where the highlands meet the sea. Established in 1936, the park stretches across almost 950 square kilometres of northern Cape Breton Island. It"s where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Atlantic, shaping rugged cliffs, highland plateaus and sheltered valleys, as seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Oct. 16, 2024Fossils of belemnites and ammonites, Jurassic Coast, UK

If you"re a fan of dinosaurs, trilobites, or fossilised shells, then exploring the rich fossil beds in our country is the perfect excuse to get your hands dirty. So, what"s the big deal about fossils? Well, from towering T. rexes to tiny ammonites, these ancient remains help scientists piece together the puzzle of our planet"s history. Yet, it"s not just Canada that holds the keys to this ancient library—the entire globe is dotted with such hidden chronicles.Desktop Version

Oct. 13, 2025Happy Thanksgiving!

What"s on your plate today—turkey, pie, mashed potatoes and maybe a second helping of gratitude? Canadian Thanksgiving arrives each October to mark the autumn harvest. Long before it became official in 1879, explorers and settlers held feasts for safe journeys and full larders. The first nationwide Thanksgiving was once celebrated in November. Today, it"s a three-day weekend of family dinners, walks, counting blessings and quiet reflection before winter.Desktop Version

Feb. 22, 2025Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Today we are at the Gateway National Park, which was established on February 22, 2018, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. The park, which lies along a picturesque stretch of the Mississippi River, commemorates Thomas Jefferson"s idea of a continental nation. At its heart stands the Gateway Arch, a breathtaking 192-metre-tall structure that has become the ultimate symbol of St. Louis. Constructed of stainless steel, it holds the distinction of being the world"s tallest arch and Missouri"s tallest accessible structure. Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen dreamed up the design back in 1947, and by October 28, 1965, his vision had been brought to life. The arch"s futuristic design has long been viewed as a symbol of the automobile era, representing the modern, urban landscape and the promise of a technologically advanced future.Desktop Version

Oct. 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain

Today we"re stepping into the heart of the historic empire of Islamic Spain. The Royal Alcázar of Seville, in the southern region of Andalusia, stands on the site of a 10th-century citadel, which was expanded over the following 200 years. When Christian forces captured the city in 1248, the Alcázar was almost totally rebuilt in the Mudejar style, which takes inspiration from the intricate patterns and decorative motifs found in Islamic architecture. Within the Alcázar, there are several courtyards lined with delicately carved columns. One of these is the Patio de las Doncellas, or Courtyard of the Maidens, pictured here today.Desktop Version

Oct. 17, 2024Kochia, Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

If you"ve ever seen photos of endless red fields that look like they"re on fire, you"ve seen kochia in action. In the spring and summer, this annual herb starts off with a fresh green look, resembling a fluffy green ball. As the seasons change, so does its colour—transforming into shades of red, orange and even pink.Desktop Version

Nov. 23, 2024Fibonacci Day

On Fibonacci Day, mathematicians and scientists honour one of their own: Leonardo Bonacci. More commonly known as Fibonacci, the medieval mathematician is notable for popularising the Hindu-Arabic numeral system, with its use of zero, decimal points and 10 numbers instead of the ponderous Roman numeral system. He"s most famous, however, for his sequence of numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8... By adding the first two numbers, you arrive at the third and adding the previous two numbers, you arrive at the next number, and so on. Disregarding the zero, the first four numbers correspond to today"s date, 11/23.Desktop Version

Jul. 25, 2024Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA

Fancy a walk through the Smokies in Tennessee, seen in today"s image? Spanning over 2,110 square kilometres between North Carolina and Tennessee, USA, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. Home to more than 19,000 documented species, scientists estimate that tens of thousands more remain undiscovered. Kilometres of hiking trails wind through the dense woodlands, leading adventurers to cascading waterfalls and scenic overlooks. The park also boasts some of the highest mountains in the eastern United States, including Clingmans Dome, which rises to 2,025 metres.Desktop Version

Jan. 11, 2025Heri es-Swani in Meknes, Morocco

An imperial city in northern central Morocco, Meknes is steeped in history. Once the capital of Morocco under Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif of the Alawi dynasty in the 17th century, it"s known for its massive walls, grand gates and structures built to last centuries. Meknes reflects the Moroccan style of architecture, with one of its most impressive landmarks being Heri es-Swani, seen in today"s image.Desktop Version

Feb. 21, 2025Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India

From waterfalls to temples, Shivamogga, in the South Indian state of Karnataka, offers experiences waiting to be discovered. Steeped in timeless lore, the city is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, epics composed as poems and set in the ancient Hindu kingdoms of India. The region"s name itself holds a spiritual significance, derived from the Sanskrit words "Shiva-Mukha," meaning the "face of Shiva," the Hindu god. It is home to several temples, including the Sharavati Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and a temple in the Kodachadri hills that offers vistas of the Western Ghats mountain range.Desktop Version

Oct. 26, 2024Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany

In the coastal region of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania in Germany lies the Gespensterwald, which means "Ghost Forest," seen in today"s image. This spine-tingling forest covers about 1.8 square kilometres, with its gnarled beech, hornbeam, ash and oak trees twisting toward the sky. The salty sea air from the Baltic Sea and the moist climate contribute to the trees" distorted shapes, giving rise to the forest"s haunted moniker. Visitors experience light-hearted brushes with the supernatural, such as the crunch of dead leaves, a friendly spirit waving hello from afar or a mischievous ghost peeking from behind a tree. The strategic lighting, which casts ghostly shadows, along with the sculptures and decorations placed along the path, are elements that enhance the forest"s ghostly aura throughout the year.Desktop Version

Mar. 16, 2025Happy Panda Day!

Let"s celebrate one of nature"s fluffiest treasures: the giant panda. Native to China, these iconic black-and-white bears are more than just adorable. They play a crucial role in their bamboo forest ecosystem by dispersing seeds and fostering new vegetation growth, which benefits countless plants and animals.Desktop Version

Jul. 29, 2024International Tiger Day

We"re off to a roaring start today: it"s International Tiger Day. Celebrated on July 29, this day was established in 2010 to protect tigers from threats such as poaching and habitat loss due to deforestation. 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

Oct. 12, 2024World Migratory Bird Day

Celebrate our travelling feathered friends on World Migratory Bird Day! Some migrations are truly astounding. The bar-tailed godwit embarks on an 11,000-kilometre nonstop flight across the Pacific from Alaska to New Zealand. The tiny ruby-throated hummingbird, weighing less than a nickel, makes the trip across the Gulf of Mexico—a seemingly impossible feat for its size. Migratory birds navigate the globe, instinctively knowing when and where to move to exploit seasonal abundance. The Arctic tern outshines them all with its intercontinental journey from pole to pole, covering 30,000 kilometres. Their migration routes are passages created based on environmental cues.Desktop Version

Nov. 9, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which gets its name from the way it appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today"s image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic ksar—a kind of fortified village—in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh.Desktop Version

Jan. 16, 2025Pinnacles National Park, California, United States

Jagged pinnacles and spires, monoliths and unusual caves—welcome to Pinnacles National Park in central California, United States. It all began in 1908 when President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as a national monument. Later in 2013, Pinnacles earned its status as a national park. This land owes its formations to an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred 23 million years ago. The fiery beginnings made towering spires, cliffs and talus caves—created by falling boulders wedged into narrow canyons. Over millennia, tectonic forces shifted the landmass northward, leaving the park far from its volcanic birthplace. Talk about a journey!Desktop Version

Jul. 19, 2025Jacksons Point Lighthouse on Lake Simcoe, Ontario

Lake Simcoe has long shaped the rhythm of life in southern Ontario. It supplied freshwater fish, supported trade and even served as a transport route in the canal-building days of the 1800s. The lake spans roughly 722 square kilometres and is the fourth-largest lake wholly within the province, after Lake Nipigon, Lac Seul and Lake Nipissing. It feeds into Lake Couchiching and, eventually, the Trent–Severn Waterway, which connects Georgian Bay to Lake Ontario. Originally named "Ouentironk" by the Huron-Wendat people, the lake was later renamed by British surveyor John Graves Simcoe in honour of his father. Its islands—Georgina, Thorah and Strawberry—aren"t just scenic spots; they hold community and cultural significance.Desktop Version

Feb. 3, 2025Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire, England

Part engineering genius, part daredevil stunt—that"s the Ribblehead Viaduct in North Yorkshire, England. This Victorian structure, also known as Batty Moss Viaduct, has been carrying trains and turning heads since the 1870s. Built by the Midland Railway, it"s the longest and third-tallest on the Settle–Carlisle railway line. Stretching 402 metres across the Ribble Valley, its 7.3 metre stone arches reach a height of 31.7 metres.Desktop Version

Dec. 8, 2024Notre-Dame reopens

In the heart of Paris stands one of the city"s most enduring icons: Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the Île de la Cité—an island in the Seine—Notre-Dame has witnessed centuries of French history, from the Hundred Years" War to the French Revolution, and beyond. Although it was chosen by Napoleon as the site of his coronation as emperor in 1804, by the early 19th century, the cathedral was in a state of disrepair. However, one novel changed its fortunes: "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" by Victor Hugo. The popularity of this book helped encourage a restoration project that renewed the cathedral"s former beauty.Desktop Version

Jul. 27, 2024Vineyards 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

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