Following a Moon Shadow Image courtesy PHL/UPR Arecibo Seen from one of Japan’s MTSAT meteorological satellites, the shadow of the moon darkens part of the North Pacific during the annular solar eclipse last Sunday and Monday. Despite the diminutive shadow shown, the moon is actually a little bigger than a quarter the size of Earth. An annular eclipse happens when the moon lines up between Earth and the sun, and when the dark moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the visible disk of the sun, leaving a ring—or annulus—of fiery light around the edges.
Underwater Surfer Photograph by Tony Heff, My ShotSurfer Coco Ho is momentarily suspended weightless between the ocean’s surface and the shallow reef.
Western Cwm, Mount Everest Photograph by Cory Richards, National GeographicAt dawn, a sliver of moon shines above the Western Cwm.
Ora Cave, Papua New Guinea Photograph by Stephen Alvarez, National GeographicThe crash of rapids surrounds expedition leader David Gill, left, and Herb Laeger near the entrance of Ora Cave. Hot acidic waters welling up from deep underground, combined with drainage from heavy rains, have carved a maze of tunnels and chambers through New Britain’s young limestone. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)
The Passionate Pilgrim: Xuanzang (602-664)Illustration courtesy Ivy Close Images/Alamy In 629, a Chinese monk with a tall backpack for carrying scrolls left the Tang capital to embark on a 10,000-mile, 16-year journey to India to study and collect sacred texts of Buddhism. An indefatigable traveler and writer, Xuanzang tracked the northern route of the Silk Road, documenting regions that are now Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He crossed the Hindu Kush to the valley of Bamian, where he described the colossal Gandhara Buddha statues (“brilliant golden color and resplendent with ornamentation of precious substances”) that received global attention when they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2000. His pilgrimage to India was arduous but intellectually fruitful. He returned to China with a massive collection of significant Sanskrit texts that illuminated the Buddhist faith and produced a definitive travel record of Central and South Asia. Xuanzang is revered today as a linguist, historian, faithful folk hero, and—above all—a passionate traveler.
Sunset, Mount Everest Photograph by Cory Richards, National GeographicThe sun sets over the west shoulder of Mount Everest (right) and Mount Nuptse.
Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park Photograph by Wai Chee Wong, Your ShotMost people know about the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, but only a few are lucky to discover the wonder near Sol Duc. Download Wallpaper (1600 x 1200 pixels)