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Mar 28, 2024Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China

In spring, nature puts on a vibrant display, marking the start of the season with the bloom of cherry blossoms. Around the globe, from Japan to the United States, this spectacle captivates millions of hearts. In China, cherry blossoms, known as "Yinghua," bloom from late March to late April, adorning landscapes with delicate hues of pink and white. Revered for centuries by the Chinese, these fragile petals hold profound significance in their traditions, symbolising renewal, hope and the transient nature of life. There are various locations in China to view these blossoms, including Wuhan"s East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Shanghai"s Gucun Park and Luxun Park, as well as Beijing"s Yuyuantan Park. Cherry blossoms look similar to plum blossoms, but an easy way to distinguish between the two is to look at their petals. Cherry blossom petals have split ends, but plum blossoms don"t.Desktop Version

Sep 22, 2023World Rhinoceros Day

Keep the five alive! That is the mission of World Rhinoceros Day, the International Rhino foundation, rhino specialists, and fans around the globe. Those five species are the Javan, Sumatran, greater one-horned, black and white rhinoceros, the latter which can be seen here today and identified by its two horns and square lip. The global rhino population is estimated to be under 27,000. While there have been successful conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of these amazing animals will likely be a perpetual challenge. Habitat loss is a common issue for many animals globally, but rhinos are particularly targeted by poachers. Parks like the Shamwari Game Reserve, the site of our photo, employ anti-poaching squads to keep these rhinos safe.Desktop Version

Oct 19, 2024Temple of Hathor, Dendera Temple Complex, Qena, Egypt

Let"s go on a journey to one of the most captivating spots in ancient Egypt—Dendera. Situated about 2.5 kilometres southeast of the modern-day town of Dendera, this temple complex is among the best preserved in the country. Once a thriving oasis along the Nile, it was home to thousands at its height, surrounded by a vast mudbrick wall that protected its sacred grounds. The Temple of Hathor, the crown jewel of Dendera, featured in today"s image, immediately draws visitors" eyes. Its construction started around 54 BCE, under Ptolemy XII, with the majestic hypostyle hall added later during the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius. This temple doesn"t have a grand colonnade or pylon gateway at its entrance. Instead, an unfinished stone wall surrounds an open courtyard with entrances leading to this massive hall. So, the complex you see today is truly a testament to centuries of history and evolution. Isn"t it amazing how much history one place can hold?Desktop Version

Trusty water-shifters

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The sprout with amazing potential

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Black sands in a tropical paradise

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Sep 25, 2023Sea Otter Awareness Week

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. These heaviest members of the weasel family aren"t just cute though, they also play a vital role in the kelp forest ecosystem, keeping the destructive sea urchin population in check. Sea Otter Awareness Week aims to help protect their populations, which once numbered as high as 300,000 but then 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. 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

Will we be ready for the ‘big one?’

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Mar 13, 2024Lake Magadi, Kenya

What an unearthly view! This aerial photograph shows a flamboyance of lesser flamingos against the backdrop of Lake Magadi in Kenya. The lesser flamingo is one of the six species of flamingos and is known for its vibrant pink plumage and distinctive feeding behaviour. These birds prefer to eat near the surface of the water due to the way their beaks are built. They primarily inhabit African soda lakes that have a high carbonate concentration. Lake Magadi is one of the soda lakes that are brimming with cyanobacteria and algae, providing ample nourishment for the flamingos. The spectacle of thousands of these avian wonders congregating at the lake reveals the importance of these unique ecosystems.Desktop Version

Sep 19, 2024Obereversand Lighthouse, Dorum, Germany

Today"s image features playground at the Obereversand Lighthouse in Dorum-Neufeld, Germany. This lighthouse is a black, four-sided lattice tower featuring two galleries and a round lantern. Constructed between 1886 and 1887 by AG Weser for the Bremen Buoy and Beacon Office, it was part of an intergovernmental project involving the states of Bremen, Oldenburg and Prussia. Originally equipped with a Fresnel belt lamp and a 500 millimetres catadioptric reflector, it used a three-wick kerosene lamp to cast light over 19 nautical kilometres. By 1905, the lighthouse was upgraded with a more powerful kerosene lamp.Desktop Version

If these walls could talk...

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Sep 7, 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 fulfill 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

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 structure more than 190 metres tall 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

A salty situation

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Nov 9, 2023Birch 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

This lesson is going swimmingly

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Get in tune with International Jazz Day

Sep 10, 2024Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal

Today"s image features the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Portugal, which looks like a sleek line cutting through Lisbon"s skyline. Up close, it is a cable-stayed bridge with viaducts, stretching across the Tagus River in Parque das Nações, a civil parish in Lisbon. The second longest bridge in Europe, it also holds the title of being the longest in the European Union. Built to ease the traffic jam on Lisbon"s 25 de Abril Bridge and make travel smoother between the north and south of Portugal, the construction of the Vasco da Gama Bridge began in February 1995. It is earthquake-resistant, designed to absorb shifting during a quake. Since its deck is not fixed to the pylons, it can move both lengthwise and sideways. Inaugurated on March 29, 1998, the bridge"s opening was perfectly timed for Expo 98, the World"s Fair celebrating the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama"s historic sea route discovery from Europe to India.Desktop Version

We’ve made it to Halfway Day!

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Apr 7, 2024North American beaver

Known as nature"s engineers, beavers have been shaping the world for millions of years. Historically, North American beavers faced challenges from humans. They were hunted for their fur, and their "nuisance" freshwater abodes were destroyed. However, these buck-toothed, paddle-tailed dam builders have been gaining new respect in recent years. These animals have beneficial effects not only on water quality but also on land. With their iron-coated orange incisors, beavers fell trees, diligently constructing not just homes but habitats. Their dams create life-sustaining wetlands for countless species. Meanwhile, their lodges are masterpieces of security and comfort, the entrance strategically submerged to deter predators and provide privacy. The rodents have no trouble getting in, as they can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes. So, "woodn"t" it be nice to give a shout-out to these creatures?Desktop Version

Warm light through an ancient forest

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