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National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Join us in celebrating Black History Month here at the Contemplative Court fountain of the Smithsonian Institution’s newest museum, the National Museum of African History and Culture in Washington, DC. Even before Black History Month was established in the United States, the second week of February was important to black communities who celebrated the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (Feb 12) and Frederick Douglass (Feb 14).Desktop Version
‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
The African American tradition of stepping (aka step-dancing) uses footsteps, claps, and the spoken word to create intricate rhythms. These dancers are part of Step Afrika!, an American dance company dedicated to the tradition of stepping. They’re shown here rehearsing ‘The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence’ at their home base, Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC. ‘The Migration’ is a show that tells the story of African American migrants who moved away from the rural American South to the more industrialized North in the years between World War I and World War II. On stage, the performance features a backdrop of images from artist Jacob Lawrence’s ‘The Migration Series,’ a group of 60 paintings he made about the same topic in 1940 and ’41.Desktop Version
Cannes, France, in the spotlight
Cannes, France, in the spotlight
Since its founding in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has become known for the glamour and luxury of its host city, which sparkles day and night. Celebs come to hang out on yachts and be seen on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals convention center. But it"s not all about the glitz—Cannes is considered one of the three most prestigious European film festivals, along with the Venice Film Festival and Berlin International Film Festival. This year, the French Directors’ Guild will honor horror legend John Carpenter ("Halloween," "Christine’) with the Carrosse d"Or (Golden Coach Award) for his body of work. New films will compete for the festival"s top prize, the Palme d"Or.Desktop Version
In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
In the Navajo Nation for Code Talkers Day
This expansive and iconic view, as seen from Hunts Mesa in the Navajo Nation, is none other than Monument Valley, also known as the Valley of the Rocks when translated from the Navajo language (Tsé Biiʼ Ndzisgaii). The red sandstone formations are synonymous with the American Southwest and have stunned moviegoers for nearly a century. The largest of American Indian territories, Navajo Nation covers more than 27,000 square miles and reaches into portions of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.Desktop Version
Happy Hobbit Day
Happy Hobbit Day
Today is Hobbit Day, marking the anniversary of the "Long-Expected Party," which sets in motion the "Lord of the Rings" book series. September 22 is the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the protagonists of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" respectively.Desktop Version
Did it see its shadow?
Did it see its shadow?
For many people, the last year has been a bit like the movie "Groundhog Day," with every day feeling the same. But today actually is Groundhog Day. This marmot in Austria popped up to see…a rainbow? We"re not sure what that means for the weather forecast, but it feels like a good sign. (The groundhog is a type of North American marmot.) In the US, the tradition says that if the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter are in store. If it doesn"t, then we"re looking at an early spring. There"s no science behind it; the custom has its roots in Pennsylvania Dutch culture and was popularized by the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper in Pennsylvania in 1887—and again by the Bill Murray movie in 1993.Desktop Version
Road to Sa Calobra, Majorca, Spain
Road to Sa Calobra, Majorca, Spain
Though twists and turns abound on this road leading to Sa Calobra, on the Spanish island of Majorca, you"d have a hard time getting lost out here—there"s only one road in and out of this coastal town. Rather than cut a more direct path through the mountains via tunnels, the road"s designer chose to incorporate numerous switchbacks and hairpin turns, allowing sightseers to journey above ground. After all, if you make the long trip to this Mediterranean island paradise, you won"t want to miss a thing—just keep an eye on the road too!Desktop Version
At the shore of an inland sea
At the shore of an inland sea
We"re looking out from a cavern at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan"s Upper Peninsula. The area"s named for its colorful sandstone cliffs, which stretch for 15 miles along the shores of the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior. As groundwater leaches out of the rocks, it carries minerals such as iron, manganese, and copper that paint the cliffs in shades of red, pink, black, green, and other colors. The park itself, which is roughly the size of five Manhattans, boasts waterfalls, beaches, and rock formations—some resembling human profiles and castle turrets—carved over time by relentless waves and the unforgiving weather of Yooper Country.Desktop Version
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC
Presidents" Day seems an apt time to showcase this perspective of the Jefferson Memorial, reflected in the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. Construction on this memorial to our third president began in 1938, but it didn’t come without controversy. In an event dubbed the Cherry Tree Rebellion, some 50 women chained themselves to a Japanese cherry tree to protest the removal of trees that would be lost to make way for the monument. The cherry trees had been a gift from the city of Tokyo in 1912. Ultimately, the protest didn’t delay the project, some trees were lost but others were planted, and the memorial was complete in 1943.Desktop Version
And to think that I saw it in Cappadocia
And to think that I saw it in Cappadocia
The fantastical "fairy chimneys" found in central Turkey"s historical Cappadocia region were formed by a collision of the natural and the man-made—and they form a scene that seems straight out of a Dr. Seuss illustration. The landforms were created when volcanoes deposited mounds of soft, porous rock called tuff, which was later covered with hard basalt. In the 10th century (though possibly starting up to 5,000 years ago) humans excavated the tuff to create caves and catacombs that could fit thousands of dwellers. Through not only the astonishing ruins but the many "cave hotels" hewn into rock in the city of Göreme, the memory of those ingenious city planners lives on.Desktop Version
Taking the scenic route
Taking the scenic route
Often called the most beautiful train ride in Switzerland, if not the world, the Bernina Express offers spectacular views on its sightseeing routes that connect towns in southeastern Switzerland to Tirano, Italy. It"s been in operation here since the late 1800s. The classic route takes about four hours and departs from Chur, Switzerland. Outfitted with panoramic windows, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, some more than 100 years old, like the Landwasser Viaduct pictured on our homepage today. The cheerful red train winds its way up and over the Bernina Pass in the Alps, reaching an elevation of 7,392 feet. Pay special attention during the stretch from Thusis to Tirano—this portion of the route was designated a World Heritage site in 2008. Reservations recommended!Desktop Version
Why does this panda cub look so happy?
Why does this panda cub look so happy?
It"s National Panda Day!Desktop Version
This grizzly has Napping Day down
This grizzly has Napping Day down
Like the napping grizzly cub in today"s image, we"re guessing you might feel tired after losing an hour of sleep to the start of daylight saving time. So, we"re giving you a great reason to get your nap on—it"s National Napping Day. This sleep-inducing day was created by Boston University professor William Anthony in 1999 and always occurs the Monday after "springing forward." The idea is that losing even just an hour of sleep renders most of us in need of some extra shut-eye. If that describes you, then maybe it"s time to give napping a try.Desktop Version
Mada’in Saleh archeological site in Saudi Arabia
Mada’in Saleh archeological site in Saudi Arabia
This is Qasr al Ferid, or ‘lonely castle,’ the largest of some 100 tombs here in the ancient Nabatean city of Hegra, now known as Mada’in Saleh. This site in Saudi Arabia is considered an archeological treasure for its well-preserved remains dating back nearly 2,000 years, when the Nabatean Kingdom flourished by trading incense, myrrh, and spices. While this particular tomb was never completed, its four-story size indicates it was intended for someone wealthy and powerful.Desktop Version
Visiting Ahch-To on Star Wars Day
Visiting Ahch-To on Star Wars Day
If some other corner of the Internet hasn"t already told you, May 4 is Star Wars Day. (Say it out loud: "May the Fourth," "May the Force…" Get it?) Fans of the movies will recognize the island we"re looking at as Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker went into exile before Rey found him at the end of "The Force Awakens." Fans of travel and history may know that it"s really Skellig Michael (the Great Skellig), with Little Skellig seen in the background. Together they make up the Skellig Islands, just off the southwest coast of Ireland.Desktop Version
Terraced fields of green
Terraced fields of green
Twice a year, all of Bali, Indonesia—including those who live and work in the lush, green rice terraces you see here—join together to celebrate the country"s most important holiday, Galungan. This 10-day Balinese-Hindu milestone always comes at the end of the traditional 210-day Balinese calendar, usually in March or April, and then again in September or October.Desktop Version
National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
National Park Week: Yosemite National Park, California
Here at Yosemite National Park, trees have mastered the art of aging gracefully. This is redwood territory, home to majestic sequoias that tower over humans and animals. In a remote area of the park you’ll find Hyperion (‘the high one’), a 380-foot-tall sequoia—named after a Greek god of light—that’s more than six centuries old. Nearby you’ll find its relative, the General Sherman tree, famous for both its age (roughly 2,000 years) and its size.Desktop Version
Pumpkin patch
Pumpkin patch
It"s not too late to pick up a pumpkin to add some Halloween flair to your doorstep. Although pumpkins are grown across the country, most of the 2 billion pounds produced annually in the US come from five states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas. While California grows the most pumpkins headed for the jack-o"-lantern market, Illinois wins in poundage, though most of its crop ends up as pie filling or other processed products—perhaps even in your pumpkin spice latte?Desktop Version
A medieval Moorish gem
A medieval Moorish gem
Originally founded as the capital of a small Moorish kingdom in the 10th century, Albarracín remains one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Spain. The town"s narrow, winding streets, centuries-old architecture, and dramatic defensive walls were all constructed with the pink-hued gypsum found throughout the region. Aside from its historical charms, Albarracín is also a popular destination for rock climbers who come to scale the red boulders and cliff faces outside the village"s fortress walls.Desktop Version
Anybody out there?
Anybody out there?
This is the time of year that polar bears emerge from their winter dens. In today"s photo, these adorable cubs are peeking out for the first time in their young lives. Polar bears don"t technically hibernate, but in fall, a pregnant female polar bear will dig a maternity den in the snow (although in some areas it"ll be under the peat soil). While in her small den, the bear enters a dormant state, sleeping nearly all the time, until she gives birth, usually between November and February. Then in spring she"ll dig herself out and emerge with her recently arrived cubs. Polar bear cubs stay with their mother for about two years as they learn to survive in the Arctic.Desktop Version
Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
When Vietnam’s Golden Bridge opened this summer in the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, images of the stunning structure went viral, and it’s no wonder. The bridge is cradled by ancient-looking hands that look like they were carved out of the mountain centuries ago–the perfect backdrop for a stunning selfie. Those big hands are actually made of wire mesh and fiberglass, fashioned around towers that support this tourist attraction that sits 3,200 feet above sea level. The pedestrian bridge offers some of the region’s most dramatic views of the Trường Sơn Mountains here in Central Vietnam. The architect is reportedly working on a sister bridge, but it will be silver, not gold.Desktop Version
Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
Celebrating whales—and a whale of a tale
A mother sperm whale surfaces in the North Atlantic as her young albino calf swims beside her. It"s an especially photogenic moment for these underwater powerhouses, which spend much of their time in the dim depths over 1,000 feet below the waves. You"re meeting them to commemorate the day in 1841 when a young Herman Melville set out from New Bedford, Massachusetts, on a whaling voyage to the South Pacific that would help inspire his masterwork "Moby-Dick." Today at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, Melville fans will begin a marathon public reading of the novel—an annual event that lasts a leviathan 25 hours.Desktop Version
A peak in the clouds
A peak in the clouds
World Meteorological Day brings us to Washington"s Mount Rainier, a huge stratovolcano with a habit of creating its own weather systems. Jutting out about 2 miles above the surrounding landscape, its high altitude interrupts the flow of air that comes in off the Pacific Ocean, creating dramatic weather such as the saucer-shaped clouds on our homepage. They"re called lenticular clouds, and because of their distinctive appearance, they"ve been suggested as an explanation for some UFO sightings. Thanks to the science of meteorology, we know they"re a normal weather phenomenon, commonly occurring on the downwind side of obstructions such as mountains, buildings, or other tall structures.Desktop Version
Falling for the Canadian Rockies
Falling for the Canadian Rockies
Sunwapta Falls is one of several spectacular waterfalls in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It"s actually a pair of waterfalls, a lower and an upper one, on the Sunwapta River. Their water comes from the Athabasca Glacier, so volumes are higher in the summer due to seasonal glacial melting. Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, with more than 4,000 square miles for camping, hiking, water sports, and other activities. Wildlife in the park includes elk, grizzly bears, moose, bighorn sheep, and caribou.Desktop Version
Space is for everyone
Space is for everyone
The end of World Space Week today comes with a message of hope. Fifty-one years ago, the pact known as the Outer Space Treaty went into effect. The US, UK, and USSR were the first parties to the treaty and at least 107 other nations have since joined them, with additional countries working on ratification. The treaty establishes ‘space law’—in essence, an agreement that space exploration should only be for the benefit of all of humanity. No weapons of mass destruction can be placed on the moon, or any other orbiting body.Desktop Version