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29 Feb 2024Leap Day

Are you a "leapling?" No, not like this Eurasian red squirrel; rather, that"s the term for anyone born on leap day! A leap year is a calendar oddity that exists because Earth"s orbit and our usual year count are slightly out of sync. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds, to revolve around the sun. To compensate for those extra 5 hours, February gets an extra day—leap day—every four years. The concept, dating back to the ancient Romans, was refined in the Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. While the purpose of the day is to keep our year aligned with the solar calendar, it can also serve as an extra day to prepare for spring! Cultures worldwide mark leap days and years with unique customs. In Ireland and Britain, women propose to men, in Greece, marrying during a leap year is said to bring misfortune, and in France, a satirical newspaper is published.Desktop Version

27 May 2024Hay Festival

Are you ready for a world of words and wonder? The Hay Festival is back in the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye from 23 May to 2 June. Since 1962, the "Town of Books" has housed an ever-growing number of bookshops, leading to its legendary status among bibliophiles. It is within this literary haven that the Hay Festival, a ten-day celebration of literature and the arts unfolds, drawing minds eager for intellectual nourishment. Conceived by British festival director Peter Florence and his parents Norman and Rhoda in 1988, the event transcends mere book fairs. This event has hosted a pantheon of literary personalities, from Ian McEwan to Hilary Mantel, alongside chart-topping comedians and razor-sharp minds from the sciences and politics. The inclusion of the children"s festival "Hay Fever" ensures the flame of curiosity ignites early, sparking young imaginations. So, booked it yet?Desktop Version

18 Sep 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

The Milky Way Galaxy has billions of stars; among them, our own Sun finds its place. Its name is derived from the radiant, irregular band of stars and gas clouds known as the Milky Way, which graces Earth"s sky. Methodical observations of the night sky started with early civilizations and astronomy, the oldest natural science that studies celestial objects and their phenomena, is still a modern source of fascination around our own ever-orbiting planet. That love of the night sky is what brings stargazers to Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a site free from heavy light pollution.Desktop Version

12 May 2024Skiddaw, Lake District National Park

At 931 metres high, Skiddaw is the fourth tallest peak in England"s Lake District. It carries an air of grandeur, thanks to the flatter valleys that set it apart from neighbouring fells. Author Alfred Wainwright once called the summit "an affable and friendly giant." Skiddaw is more than a mountaineer"s playground—it"s steeped in geological wonder. It is formed from ancient Ordovician slate that musicians have turned into lithophones, charming visitors at Keswick Museum with their melodic chime. Moreover, Skiddaw House, originally a keeper"s lodge built in 1829, tells tales of its rich heritage through walls that have witnessed the evolution of this landscape. Whether you"re a seasoned fell runner beginning the Bob Graham Round—a fell running challenge—or a day-tripper seeking a summit, Skiddaw invites all.Desktop Version

4 Feb 2024Devetashka Cave, Devetaki, Bulgaria

Step into the depths of Devetashka Cave and journey through time in one of Bulgaria"s many natural wonders. However, there is one condition for this adventure: you must not be afraid of bats! About 30,000 of these flying mammals call the cave home. The karst cave, which was formed by the dissolution of carbonate rocks by water, is now part of a public park. The presence of humans in Devetashka Cave is thought to date back to the Early Stone Age, around 70,000 years BCE, and Neolithic artefacts from 6,000-4,000 BCE have been found here. Several large openings in the cave cast natural light into the chambers, offering better illumination for photographers and nature lovers alike.Desktop Version

21 Dec 2024Burning the Clocks

As the year winds down and the longest night of winter settles over Brighton in England, the city doesn"t hibernate—it ignites. Burning the Clocks, a winter solstice festival, is Brighton"s luminous way of letting go of the past year, lighting up the darkest hours with paper lanterns, a blazing bonfire and an explosion of creativity. This tradition was born in 1994 as a response to the commercialised chaos of the holiday season. This annual fest invites locals and visitors alike to create intricate paper lanterns symbolising their hopes, dreams and reflections from the year gone by. These lanterns are paraded through the streets in a procession that winds its way to Brighton Beach, accompanied by music. At the end of the parade, the lanterns are ceremoniously burned on a massive bonfire.Desktop Version

1 Mar 2025Saint Davids Day

A leek, a daffodil and a day to remember: Happy Saint David"s Day! Today, Wales celebrates its patron saint and all things Welsh. Saint David was a 6th-century monk, bishop and preacher who played a key role in spreading Christianity across the country. He founded several religious communities known for their simple, disciplined lifestyles. One of his most famous sayings, "Gwnewch y pethau bychain," still resonates today as a reminder that small acts of kindness and faith matter. But why do people wear leeks and daffodils? Legend has it that the saint advised Welsh soldiers to wear leeks on their helmets to distinguish themselves from the enemy in battle against the Saxons. The daffodil, meanwhile, became popular later as a more visually appealing national emblem, especially during the 19th century.Desktop Version

11 Mar 2024Koala

Say hello to the koala! Don"t be fooled though; while this sleeping creature may look like a teddy bear"s long-lost cousin, it is actually not a bear at all, it’s a marsupial, which means it carries its young in a pouch. Native to Australia, these furry critters spend most of their time catching some Z"s in the treetops. They can sleep up to 20 hours a day, which helps them conserve the little energy they get from their eucalyptus-based diet. Koalas move slowly when awake, spending most of their time tucked into nooks in trees and have a lower body temperature than other animals of their size. Interestingly, each koala has a unique set of fingerprints, just like us humans. So, if you ever get the chance to visit Australia, make sure to get some koala-ty time!Desktop Version

12 Feb 2024Darwin Day

In 1835, British naturalist Charles Darwin explored the volcanic Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean. While studying the islands" creatures, he concluded that a diverse array of animal species hailing from South America, primarily reptiles and birds capable of traversing the vast expanse of water, had migrated to the Galápagos and gradually adapted to their surroundings. These observations eventually formed the foundation for Darwin"s theory of evolution through natural selection. One of the species examined in the study was the Galápagos giant tortoise, a tortoise only found on the Galápagos Islands, that can grow up to 2 metres long. In fact, the islands are named after these magnificent creatures: "galápago" means tortoise in Spanish. Today, on International Darwin Day, let"s celebrate these gentle giants, which contributed to one of the great scientific discoveries of the 19th century.Desktop Version

29 Nov 2023Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree lighting

As December approaches, New York gears up for a sparkling spectacle. Today, the 91st Rockefeller Centre Tree lighting in New York City, will bring you festive vibes. In 1931, hardworking builders put up a balsam fir as they wanted to show gratitude for their jobs amidst the bleakness of the Great Depression. Gone are the days of simply plugging in some lights; now this towering Norway spruce, as seen, is adorned with over 50,000 multicoloured LED lights and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. Just wait until the tree—sometimes as tall as 27 metres—is illuminated; it is a full-blown extravaganza with musical performances and celebrity sightings. This mesmerising glow of the tree marks the official arrival of the holiday season in the city that never sleeps, and you definitely don"t want to miss it!Desktop Version

3 Feb 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

10 Apr 2025Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Wales

Welcome to the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay"s cultural powerhouse, where musical theatre, opera, dance and comedy thrive under one iconic roof. Opened in 2004, the centre makes a bold statement with its iconic inscription, "In These Stones Horizons Sing," etched across the front in both Welsh and English. Designed by Jonathan Adams, the building"s architecture mirrors Wales" landscapes. While the façade features multi-coloured layers inspired by slate quarries, forests, mountains and sea cliffs, the hull-shaped copper-hued roof gives a nod to the maritime history of Tiger Bay.Desktop Version

28 Oct 2023Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

In the town of Consuegra, the echoes of the adventures of Don Quixote—the hero of the Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes—still linger. This tourist destination in Castilla-La Mancha is famous for a small mountain range, known as Cerro Calderico. The range is crowned with 12 white windmills, perhaps the very same that inspired Cervantes to picture them as an army of giants. With their stone walls and wooden blades, some of these windmills date back to the 16th century. Now, they are living relics of a bygone era when they were used to grind grain.Desktop Version

13 Feb 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia

At Lake Tyrrell, southern Australia, the sky meets the Earth in a dazzling display. The state of Victoria"s largest salt lake was formed around 120,000 years ago. Over time, climate changes caused water levels to drop; these days, the lake is normally dry, except in winter when it"s covered in around 5 centimetres of water. The name "Tyrrell" comes from the local Wergaia word for "sky," a nod to the Boorong Aboriginal People"s interest in astronomy. Spanning more than 70 square miles, Lake Tyrrell is a haven for wildlife, including Mallee reptiles, kangaroos and emus.Desktop Version

11 Dec 2023International Mountain Day

Peek at your calendars! December 11 is International Mountain Day, a special day designated by the United Nations General Assembly back in 2003. The theme for this year"s commemoration is "Restoring mountain ecosystems," connecting with the UN"s Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.Desktop Version

10 Nov 2023Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA

This densely layered image is not an error of your screen, but the fascinating tiers of fossil beds in Badlands National Park in South Dakota, USA. Under the multicoloured coating lies the land"s history, conserving the remains of ancient horses, camels, tigers and rhinos. The barren landscape, decorated with pinnacles and prairies, was mainly formed by two contrary forces of nature: deposition (the process of small rocks being moved around and deposited in new places) and erosion (the process of rocks wearing away). The Red Shirt Table, at 1,020 metres, is the highest point on the rugged terrain. The park covers a 379-square-mile territory that was established as a national park on this day in 1978. Still thirsty for knowledge? Visit the national park"s museum collection. There are over 360,000 artefacts that have a lot more to reveal!Desktop Version

19 Dec 2024Sibiu Christmas Market, Romania

As the winter chill sets in, the city of Sibiu transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland as it hosts one of Romania"s most popular Christmas markets. The Sibiu Christmas Market, known in Romanian as Târgul de Crăciun din Sibiu, is held in the central square from the end of November until early January. Sparkling strings of lights drape across the square, seen in today"s image, creating a canopy that bathes the cobblestone streets in a warm, festive glow. There also stands a beautifully lit Christmas tree, surrounded by charming wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally made treats like cozonac, a traditional Romanian sweet bread; vin fiert, an aromatic mulled wine; and covrigi, a type of pretzel served warm and sprinkled with salt.Desktop Version

27 Dec 2023Kirkjufell, Iceland

From glaciers and waterfalls to volcanoes and black sand beaches, Iceland"s Snæfellsnes Peninsula has "GoT" it all. Standing here proudly is the 463-metre-high Kirkjufell. The lofty hill is often referred to as "Church Mountain" due to its distinctive shape resembling a church steeple. You might recognise it from the "Game of Thrones" series where it featured in a scene set north of the colossal ice wall. Because of its pyramid shape, colours that shift with the seasons, and coastal location, this nunatak—a rock formation that protrudes through an ice sheet or glacier—is a frequent subject for photographers. If you"re lucky, and the weather conditions align, Kirkjufell also offers a magnificent view of the northern lights.Desktop Version

26 Feb 2025Castle Stalker, Argyll, Scotland

Perched dramatically on a tidal islet in Loch Laich, Argyll, Castle Stalker is one of Scotland"s most picturesque and well-preserved medieval tower houses. Built around the 1440s by the Stewarts of Appin, its history includes royal visits and even a drunken wager that briefly transferred ownership to Clan Campbell. Despite falling into disrepair by the 19th century, it was lovingly restored in the mid-20th century and is still privately owned today. Visitors can explore this historic site on selected guided tours during the summer.Desktop Version

24 Nov 2023Green Friday

Imagine spending the day hiking in a forest, soaking in the lush greenery instead of frantically checking every item off your holiday shopping list. Welcome to Green Friday, the environmental alternative to Black Friday, established in 2015. On Green Friday, people are encouraged to approach shopping by making ethical choices, embracing nature, or refraining from purchasing altogether. So, take a pause for a moment and plunge yourself into nature this Green Friday!Desktop Version

31 Mar 2024Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! Do you like your eggs boiled or painted? The practice of painting chicken eggs, which originates from Persian traditions, was adopted by Christians in the early 17th century to commemorate this holiday, also called Pascha. Hungarian artist, Tünde Csuhaj—living and working in the small city of southern Hungary, Szekszárd—has mastered the craft. The internationally recognised egg-painter developed her own etching technique to create lace-like patterns. The meticulous designs appear on all sorts of eggs, including chicken, goose, swan and even emu or ostrich eggs. The intricate motifs of incredible craftsmanship are often shown at national and international fairs and exhibitions. Are you inspired? Grab a paintbrush and test your egg-painting skills.Desktop Version

8 Sep 2024Great North Run

Today, the streets of Newcastle will transform into a sea of runners, joggers and walkers all headed in one direction—south. The Great North Run, the world"s largest half marathon, is back. Founded in 1981 by former Olympic 10,000-metre bronze medallist Brendan Foster, this annual event started with humble beginnings. Just over 12,000 runners took part in the inaugural race, but it quickly grew into a phenomenon. Today, the race attracts around 60,000 participants each year, from elite athletes to charity fundraisers dressed as giant bananas.Desktop Version

6 Jan 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy

In the Italian province of Ravenna lies the Basilica of San Francesco, recognised for its beauty and historical significance. This Romanesque church, originally built in 450 CE, features a sturdy square bell tower added in the 9th century, enhancing the basilica"s exterior. Its design features three naves, divided by two rows of 12 columns each. Featured in today"s image is the basilica"s real showstopper: the basement crypt, or a burial chamber, is a stunning model of early religious design. Complete with vaulted ceilings that slope down into rows of stone columns, its floor is a work of art itself. It"s inlaid with beautifully intricate mosaic tiles that have withstood the test of time.Desktop Version

12 Oct 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 a 6,835-mile nonstop flight across the Pacific from Alaska to New Zealand. The tiny ruby-throated hummingbird, weighing less than a penny, and makes the trip all the way 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 more than 18,000 miles. Their migration routes are passages created based on environmental cues.Desktop Version

30 Mar 2025Mothering Sunday

For one Sunday in March, the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries take a break from the usual hustle to honour mums with flowers, cards and the occasional burnt toast in bed. Mothering Sunday isn"t just Britain"s version of Mother"s Day—it has a history that predates the modern celebration by centuries. In medieval England, it was a religious occasion when people returned to their "mother church"—the main church or cathedral in their area. This pilgrimage often led to family reunions, giving servants a rare day off to visit home. Naturally, a visit to mum was part of the tradition, and over time, the religious aspect blended with a more personal celebration.Desktop Version

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