2022: The Pictures of the Year
2022: The Pictures of the Year
We sent our photographers around the globe to document our world and our times. Here are 49 of their best photos.
2022: The Photographers of the Year
Go behind the scenes with five photographers who crisscrossed the world.
She took 522 ethereal forest photos. See which ones made the cut.
Photographer Orsolya Haarberg submitted these breathtaking images of the mist-shrouded laurels of Madeira. Then our photo editor had to choose.
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Animals
- They’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacredThey’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacred
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
- Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
- How do some animals defy age? In nature, size mattersHow do some animals defy age? In nature, size matters
- How sharks equipped with cameras solved an aquatic mysteryHow sharks equipped with cameras solved an aquatic mystery
- This jellyfish can sting at 5 million g—the fastest on EarthThis jellyfish can sting at 5 million g—the fastest on Earth
- The true story behind ‘Cocaine Bear’ is no laughing matterThe true story behind ‘Cocaine Bear’ is no laughing matter
- Watch this clever heron throw shade—literally, Video StoryWatch this clever heron throw shade—literally
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
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From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
- Is tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you need to know.Is tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you need to know.
- A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S.A giant mass of seaweed threatens beach season in the U.S.
- Arctic ice is getting thinner— and sea life is sufferingArctic ice is getting thinner— and sea life is suffering
History & Culture
- How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
- These mysterious ancient shipwrecks were found far from seaThese mysterious ancient shipwrecks were found far from sea
- The site of America’s worst antisemitic attack rebuildsThe site of America’s worst antisemitic attack rebuilds
- The Earth’s population is booming. It might not last—here’s why.The Earth’s population is booming. It might not last—here’s why.
- China’s population is shrinking. It faces a perilous future.China’s population is shrinking. It faces a perilous future.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
- Weight-shaming backfires—why do people keep doing it?Weight-shaming backfires—why do people keep doing it?
- Delay death with tech? These innovations are promising.Delay death with tech? These innovations are promising.
- Are you a ‘lark’ or an ‘owl’? Your body clock holds the answer.Are you a ‘lark’ or an ‘owl’? Your body clock holds the answer.
- Why are so many young adults getting colon cancer?Why are so many young adults getting colon cancer?
- Venus is volcanically alive, stunning new find showsVenus is volcanically alive, stunning new find shows
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions
- A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story
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A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi - How to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning placesHow to eat in 6 of the world’s most stunning places
- Every year the spirit of the American West is awakened in Nevada
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Every year the spirit of the American West is awakened in Nevada - See the heavens the way ancient Britons did at this dark sky parkSee the heavens the way ancient Britons did at this dark sky park
- Chile’s new national park protects a superbloom of rare flowersChile’s new national park protects a superbloom of rare flowers