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Sep. 9, 2023Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thailand

When the sunset casts its spell over Thailand, the Wat Chaiwatthanaram Buddhist temple lights up to welcome the night at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Even though the temple is not part of the nearby Historic City of Ayutthaya (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ruin is just as divine, exhibiting meticulous details of rich history and architecture. King Prasat Thong—from the dynasty of the Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom that ruled Southeast Asia between the 14th and 18th centuries—built the sanctuary to symbolise the centre of the universe and connote his aspiration to become the future Buddha. From the Buddhist temple, the Historic City of Ayutthaya can be reached by boat or road. Three rivers link the once-metropolitan city of the Siamese Kingdom to the sea. Now a historical ruin, Ayutthaya was an important point of commerce and diplomacy, with the advantages of the surrounding rivers serving as natural defence.Desktop Version

Mar. 24, 2024Silvereyes

Yellow, round, tiny and gregarious—say hello to these silvereyes enjoying cherry blossoms in South Korea! While this family of passerine birds is native to Africa, Australasia and Asia, several of its species can be found in places like French Polynesia and Hawaii, where they appeared by introduction. Also known as white-eyes or wax-eyes, these avians come in a range of colours and patterns, but they all share that trademark eye-ring. They have a sweet tooth for nectar, but they"re not picky eaters, happily feeding on fruits, insects and berries. On our March adventures, let"s celebrate these beauties for adding a touch of wonder to spring!Desktop Version

A grizzly bear sanctuary

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Dec. 21, 2024Happy winter solstice!

The winter solstice is here. Today marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere, while last night was the longest night of the year. This has been an important event for millennia, with evidence of celebrations going back as far as 10,000 BCE. Some of the world"s most famous Stone Age monuments, including Stonehenge, are aligned with the point that the sun rises or sets on the winter solstice. Traditionally, it was a time for feasting and lighting of fires to symbolise the darkest day of the year. Ancient Germanic tribes celebrated the winter solstice by bringing evergreens into their homes as a symbol of the returning light and the coming spring.Desktop Version

A chocolate lovers favourite fruit

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Apr. 17, 2024Black bear cub emerges into spring

Welcome to the world, bear cub! After spending the first months of its life inside the den, this frizzy American black bear child may be puzzled by the outside world. The cubs are born between January and February, but they don"t leave their den until about mid-April or the beginning of May. When the young bears emerge into spring, they weigh around 2 kilograms and grow to about 36 kilograms by their first birthday. The weight of black bears—ranging between 45 and 272 kilograms in the case of adults—however, not only depends on their age, sex and the season but is also based on the diet available in their habitation. Black bears are the only bears found in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA, which provides the setting for today"s image.Desktop Version

Canoeing in solitude

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Mar. 25, 2024Happy Holi!

It"s Holi; get ready to become a walking rainbow and sprinkle joy wherever you go! This festival of colours, spring and love is a cornerstone of Indian and Nepali culture. It is also celebrated in other countries with large Hindu populations, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Canada, the United States, Suriname, Indonesia and Malaysia. The festivity lasts for a night and a day. It starts on the evening of the last full moon of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which usually falls in March in the Gregorian calendar. As the sun sets, people gather to light bonfires, a ritual known as Holika Dahan, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The following day, the streets come alive with people splashing each other in colours, giving everyone a vibrant makeover. Are you ready for a dash of colour?Desktop Version

A glimpse of Yoho National Park

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Sep. 4, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates

Desert-dwelling camels have been central to lives in the United Arab Emirates for generations, upholding Emirati heritage and customs. A key mode of transportation for Bedouins to access water and supplies, camels are invaluable in traversing the sweltering sands. These dromedaries have even been used as currency to fulfil various obligations, such as dowries or zakat, an annual charitable fee in Muslim communities. They provide nourishment: camel milk is a valuable and nutritious ingredient in many recipes. Finally, camels have successfully entertained Bedouin tribes and travellers through camel racing, further showcasing the versatility of these hardy creatures.Desktop Version

Secluded sands in Mexico

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Sep. 18, 2024Gujō 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

The other great barrier reef

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This clever bird passes with flying colours

Mar. 23, 2024World Meteorological Day

"When clouds appear like rocks and towers, the Earth"s refreshed with frequent showers"—there"s a whisper of truth to this old proverb for the storm clouds, also known as cumulonimbus or anvil clouds, which are pictured here. Today, on World Meteorological Day, we honour the marvel that is our atmosphere. This observance, which was first held in 1961, commemorates the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation in 1950. But this day is more than just a nod to history; it is all about recognising the vital role meteorology plays in our lives. Weather forecasts may not always appear fully reliable, but thanks to advances in technology like satellites and supercomputers, they have come a long way. Because of these advancements, global weather models provide forecasts for up to 16 days and, the average lead time for tornado warnings has gone from -15 minutes in 1974 to around 15 minutes today. Cheers for the progress made and much more to come!Desktop Version

Is it green with envy?

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Oct. 6, 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York

Taughannock Falls State Park, located in New York"s scenic Finger Lakes area, is a natural marvel made by the relentless carving of Taughannock Creek into the landscape. This wonderful park is home not just to the magnificent waterfall of the same name but also to stunning pathways, unique rock formations, and numerous wild animals. The name Taughannock has unclear origins, though a leading theory says it is a combination of Iroquois and Algonquin terms, roughly translating to "great fall in the woods". The park, which was founded in 1924, guarantees visitors memorable adventures, whether you hike the rim paths for panoramic views of the falls and rock formations, take a refreshing plunge in Cayuga Lake, or bring a pair of binoculars for birding. A keen eye can spot winged locals such as turkey vultures, common loons, and great horned owls.Desktop Version

The Big Apple with a foggy topping

Jul. 31, 2024Hoodoos, Sunset Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Let"s take a trip to a forest of stones: Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, USA. In the park, named after the Mormon pioneer Ebenezer Bryce, lies Sunset Point, seen in today"s image, as a spot to see the hoodoos. These rock formations are created by frost weathering and stream erosion, which shape the stone into an otherworldly landscape. Perched at 2,400 to 2,700 metres, this overlook offers a panoramic view of rocky spires in red, orange and white. The most iconic of them is Thor"s Hammer, a hoodoo that overlooks a part of the park known as the "Silent City."Desktop Version

The oldest way to fly

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