January 2021 Issue
- Essay
How photography helps us make sense of this unforgettable year
A deadly virus. Lives in lockdown. Passionate calls for justice. The images of 2020 reflected the humanity of a turbulent time.
ReadWhat was it like to be a photographer in 2020?
National Geographic photographers seem possessed of an inner GPS. Fueled by restless curiosity, they roam the planet in search of fresh perspectives to capture and new stories to tell. In 2020 this inner GPS took Ruddy Roye to the front lines of America’s racial reckoning and set David Guttenfelder on the trail of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the year’s losses and chaos, Anand Varma captured rare natural marvels, Hannah Reyes Morales recorded soothing scenes of peace, and Diana Markosian witnessed triumphs of the human will.
See more of 2020’s best photography, including discoveries, animals, travel, and moments we’ll never forget.
Watch This
Go behind the scenes with National Geographic editors to see and hear how the January 2021 “The Year in Pictures” special issue came together—from selecting the most powerful photographs to deciding on the themes, design direction, and cover.
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Animals
- 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 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
- 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
- Migration and movement in the Anthropocene, Video Story
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History & Culture
- These mysterious ancient shipwrecks were found far from seaThese mysterious ancient shipwrecks were found far from sea
- The Ides of March—a day of murder that forever changed historyThe Ides of March—a day of murder that forever changed history
- While Napoleon conquered nations, his sister conquered heartsWhile Napoleon conquered nations, his sister conquered hearts
Science
- 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?
Travel
- 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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- Every year the spirit of the American West is awakened in Nevada
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