The Spark
Stories of National Geographic Explorers and how their journeys began

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.
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Animals
- These truffle-hunting dogs are advancing the science of fungiThese truffle-hunting dogs are advancing the science of fungi
- Invasive species are messing with the mating rituals of nativesInvasive species are messing with the mating rituals of natives
- How to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite speciesHow to set up a bird feeder to attract your favorite species
Environment
- Scientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's historyScientists record coldest ocean temperature in Earth's history
- Inside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trashInside spogomi, the growing competitive sport of picking up trash
- The uncertain future of the world's most expensive spiceThe uncertain future of the world's most expensive spice
- A marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopusA marine scientist explains why she eats seafood—even octopus
- What is black ice? The science behind the winter threatWhat is black ice? The science behind the winter threat
- See a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in FloridaSee a ghost 'fairyland' forest reemerge in Florida
- Searching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiersSearching for life across the planet’s frigid frontiers
- Busting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energyBusting the 5 biggest myths about renewable energy
- How this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivorsHow this photographer captured 129 portraits of fire survivors
- How smart cities are being reinvented after natural disastersHow smart cities are being reinvented after natural disasters
- The industrial waste site that glitters like a glacierThe industrial waste site that glitters like a glacier
History & Culture
- Riffing with Mulatu Astatke, the king of Swinging AddisRiffing with Mulatu Astatke, the king of Swinging Addis
- The teen who refused to give up her seat on a segregated busThe teen who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus
- What the archaeologists of the future will discover about usWhat the archaeologists of the future will discover about us
- What is Imbolc? This Celtic festival welcomes spring—in FebruaryWhat is Imbolc? This Celtic festival welcomes spring—in February
Science
- How scientists are making the power of invisibility a realityHow scientists are making the power of invisibility a reality
- Scientists assemble the most detailed map of dark matter everScientists assemble the most detailed map of dark matter ever
- How breast cancer research is helping prostate cancer patientsHow breast cancer research is helping prostate cancer patients
- Inside the quest to build the ultimate nonalcoholic beerInside the quest to build the ultimate nonalcoholic beer
Travel
- Want to see puffins? Then head to Scotland's wild Orkney IslandsWant to see puffins? Then head to Scotland's wild Orkney Islands
- Trace the journey of Spain's prized delicacy—jamón ibéricoTrace the journey of Spain's prized delicacy—jamón ibérico
- Plan a slow weekend in New York State’s Orange County
- Paid Content
Plan a slow weekend in New York State’s Orange County - This Wyoming dude ranch is an iconic slice of AmericanaThis Wyoming dude ranch is an iconic slice of Americana
- This national park site is celebrating its 250th anniversaryThis national park site is celebrating its 250th anniversary