The Spark
Stories of National Geographic Explorers and how their journeys began
Now Playing- Up Next
- Now Playing
- Now Playing
Exploration Happens Because of You
When you read, watch, shop or travel with us, you help further the work of our scientists, explorers, and educators around the world. Every year, we distribute a portion of our proceeds to the National Geographic Society, creating more opportunities to work toward a planet in balance.
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan adopts little sister after their mother's deathOrangutan adopts little sister after their mother's death
- This might be the first recorded tool use by a wild wolfThis might be the first recorded tool use by a wild wolf
- Invading queen ant tricks workers into killing their motherInvading queen ant tricks workers into killing their mother
Environment
- Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?
- Why hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerousWhy hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerous
- In 100 seconds, see the impact of humans on planet EarthIn 100 seconds, see the impact of humans on planet Earth
- Farmers in Brazil are restoring biodiversity to grow resilient crops
- Paid Content
Farmers in Brazil are restoring biodiversity to grow resilient crops - Why hurricanes are getting more powerful—more quicklyWhy hurricanes are getting more powerful—more quickly
- Inside the fight to protect Canada’s most iconic baysInside the fight to protect Canada’s most iconic bays
History & Culture
- Tension after builders discover an ancient Minoan ruin on CreteTension after builders discover an ancient Minoan ruin on Crete
- The 30-foot sea cow hunted to extinction because of its tasty meatThe 30-foot sea cow hunted to extinction because of its tasty meat
- The brief life—and untimely death—of Hamnet ShakespeareThe brief life—and untimely death—of Hamnet Shakespeare
- New treasures hint at what Britain was like before Roman conquestNew treasures hint at what Britain was like before Roman conquest
Science
- Some people are always late. Science can explain why.Some people are always late. Science can explain why.
- What 60 decomposing lizards can tell us about dinosaur deathWhat 60 decomposing lizards can tell us about dinosaur death
Travel
- Among manta rays and sea turtles, a journey of wonder unfolds
- Paid Content
Among manta rays and sea turtles, a journey of wonder unfolds - Inside Austin, the Texas city that prides itself on staying weirdInside Austin, the Texas city that prides itself on staying weird
- Malta’s mysterious ‘fat ladies’ lure a new generation of pilgrimsMalta’s mysterious ‘fat ladies’ lure a new generation of pilgrims
- A journey to Hawaii yields a new perspective
- Paid Content
A journey to Hawaii yields a new perspective - 7 architectural gems to see in Barcelona—from Gaudí and beyond7 architectural gems to see in Barcelona—from Gaudí and beyond
- These mountain resorts are making a difference—here’s howThese mountain resorts are making a difference—here’s how