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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

Feb. 9, 2025Alstrom Point, Lake Powell, Utah, United States

If you"re chasing sunsets and jaw-dropping views, come to Alstrom Point. Located in southern Utah"s Kane County in the United States, this spot in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area stands at an impressive height of 1,427 metres. Made mostly of Entrada Sandstone, it has the same geological roots as nearby sites like Romana Mesa, its parent peak, and Gunsight Butte, another sandstone summit to the east.Desktop Version

Aug. 28, 2024Paralympic Games begin in Paris

The Summer Paralympic Games get underway in Paris today. More than 4,000 athletes from all around the world will meet in the French capital to compete in 22 sports across 549 different events. Delegations from 184 nations will parade down the iconic Champs-Élysées to the Place de la Concorde rather than entering a stadium. This year, the Canadian Paralympic Team consists of 20 members that includes five Paralympic medallists, like Greg Stewart and Brent Lakatos. The first official Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960. 23 nations took part, competing in eight sports, including wheelchair basketball and para-athletics.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

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

Sep. 8, 2024International Literacy Day

"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope." These words by former secretary-general of the United Nations Kofi Annan capture the essence of International Literacy Day, celebrated every September 8. Established by UNESCO in 1966, this observance not only celebrates those who can read but also highlights the ongoing battle against illiteracy. With approximately 775 million people worldwide still lacking basic literacy, this day resonates powerfully within the hallowed walls of the Stockholm Public Library in Sweden, or "Stadsbiblioteket" as it is known to locals, featured in today"s image.Desktop Version

Sep. 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy

Steeped in history, the Santa Maria della Salute church in Venice is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1631 and 1687, the church was a votive offering for the city"s deliverance from a devastating plague in 1630. Built at the entrance to the Grand Canal, its dome dominates the Venice skyline, as seen in today"s image. Italian architect Baldassare Longhena envisioned this structure at the age of 26, and it became his lifelong project, which was completed after his death. The exterior of the church, with its volutes—spiral, scroll-like ornaments—and statues contrasts with the spacious octagonal interior adorned with works by Renaissance artists like Titian and Tintoretto. Each November, Venice commemorates the church"s significance during the Festa della Madonna della Salute, a cultural celebration that includes festive processions and offering of candles in gratitude for deliverance from the plague.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

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

Jul. 4, 2025Skipper butterfly on an Echinacea flower

When it comes to fast flyers with a flair for flowers, the skipper butterfly makes quite the landing. These pint-sized pollinators are easy to miss—until you spot one zipping through your garden as if it"s late for an appointment. Catch one pausing on an Echinacea flower—like the one photographed at the Rockefeller State Park in New York, United States—and you"ve hit the jackpot. Skippers aren"t your average butterflies. Technically part of the superfamily Papilionoidea, they"re often mistaken for moths thanks to their stout bodies and erratic flight patterns. But unlike moths, they"re active by day, have clubbed antennae with a hook at the end and wings they usually hold at quirky angles. Their name? It comes from their quick, darting flight.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

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

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

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

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

Feb. 25, 2025Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States

A breathtaking maze of sandstone formations and awe-inspiring views awaits you at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, United States. People have lived in this area for at least 10,000 years, including the Anasazi, Pueblo and Paiute Peoples. The hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock formed by erosion—in the park inspired Paiute mythology: they believed them to be the Legend People turned to stone by the trickster Coyote.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

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

Aug. 7, 2025Monoliths of the Mingan Archipelago, Quebec

They may resemble ancient statues, but the monoliths of the Mingan Archipelago weren"t carved by human hands. These limestone formations began taking shape over 450 million years ago by the power of sea spray, waves and wind. The result? Towering stone pillars that now rise along Quebec"s coastline, standing firm as the tide continues its slow work. The surrounding tide pools come alive at low tide, revealing starfish, sea urchins and other marine life. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, where these formations are found, is a quiet haven for wildlife established in 1984. The area is a seasonal stop for Atlantic puffins, which arrive between late May and August to breed and raise their chicks on the cliffs and grassy spaces. The park is also known for its seabird colonies, seal sightings and plant life adapted to harsh coastal conditions. It"s a landscape that quietly speaks of time, tide and resilience.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

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. 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

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

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

Feb. 14, 2025Happy Valentines Day!

Love is in the air today: it"s Valentine"s Day! Across the globe, millions of flowers will be sent, and romantic restaurants will be fully booked for Valentine"s dates. This day has its origins in the story of Saint Valentine, a Roman Christian who, according to legend, performed marriages for Christian soldiers who were forbidden from marrying. Just like the human lovebirds who will be celebrating today, nature also has its own romantics.Desktop Version

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