December 2019 Issue
See the Mississippi River's hidden history, uncovered by lasers
See the Mississippi River's hidden history, uncovered by lasers
Using hyperprecise LiDAR data, a cartographer maps the river’s bends and channels over time with mesmerizing results.This mysterious ancient predator had a killer jaw
- Decoder
This mysterious ancient predator had a killer jaw
The sharklike Helicoprion lived 275 million years ago and could slice its prey in two with its buzz saw jaw.Latest Issues
Subscribe to National Geographic
Go Further
Animals
- Hundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA actedHundreds of dogs died in Virginia before the USDA acted
- Shades of dark: the story of night photography, Video Story
- Paid Content
Shades of dark: the story of night photography - Dolphins can identify their friends by taste, study showsDolphins can identify their friends by taste, study shows
- These bats imitate hornets to avoid being eaten by owlsThese bats imitate hornets to avoid being eaten by owls
Environment
- 13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River13-foot-long stingray found in deep hole in Mekong River
- Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.Their house has stood 130 years. A new fire era may change that.
- Tree-planting projects abound. Which should you support?Tree-planting projects abound. Which should you support?
- Mining is a polluting business. Can new tech make it cleaner?Mining is a polluting business. Can new tech make it cleaner?
- Philippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in perilPhilippines' reefs are some of the most vibrant—but in peril
- The biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to deathThe biggest living thing on Earth is being nibbled to death
- How the Ukraine war is accelerating Germany's energy transitionHow the Ukraine war is accelerating Germany's energy transition
- 4 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your yard4 eco-friendly ways to keep pests out of your yard
- Forests as 'carbon offsets'? Climate change has other plans.Forests as 'carbon offsets'? Climate change has other plans.
- Mass extinction in oceans can be avoided by curbing fossil fuelsMass extinction in oceans can be avoided by curbing fossil fuels
- Unique trees from Nat Geo’s photo archives mark amazing momentsUnique trees from Nat Geo’s photo archives mark amazing moments
History & Culture
- What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?What was the mystery message written on the mummy's wrappings?
- This woman navigates the Pacific without technologyThis woman navigates the Pacific without technology
- How U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimoniousHow U.S. abortion laws went from nonexistent to acrimonious
- A Viking ship burial held riches—and a surprising mysteryA Viking ship burial held riches—and a surprising mystery
- Fleeing Venezuela, women migrants face callous indifferenceFleeing Venezuela, women migrants face callous indifference
- Buddhist treasures lay hidden inside these caves for centuriesBuddhist treasures lay hidden inside these caves for centuries
Science
- New therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal woundsNew therapies revolutionize treatment for hard-to-heal wounds
- Why love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children, Video StoryWhy love and touch were once called ‘dangerous’ to children
- Why it’s important to explore the science of touch
- Magazine
- From the Editor
Why it’s important to explore the science of touch - The audacious science pushing the boundaries of human touchThe audacious science pushing the boundaries of human touch
- Tooth from mysterious human relative found in LaosTooth from mysterious human relative found in Laos
Travel
- The surprising story of how the Philippines came to VirginiaThe surprising story of how the Philippines came to Virginia
- 10 places where you can ditch your car this summer10 places where you can ditch your car this summer
- Six parks telling surprising stories of the American SouthSix parks telling surprising stories of the American South
- Discover the natural wonders along Georgia’s coastDiscover the natural wonders along Georgia’s coast
- Here’s why hut-hiking is the best way to see New ZealandHere’s why hut-hiking is the best way to see New Zealand
