Photo of the Day
Picture of the Wright brothers flying the first powered aircraft
December 17, 2021
First Flight
The Wright brothers made the first powered flight on this day in 1903. Orville manned the plane, lying on his stomach to reduce wind resistance, while Wilbur ran alongside. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered about 120 feet.
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- How the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movementHow the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movement
- They were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surpriseThey were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surprise
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
Science
- At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?
- A ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeletonA ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeleton
- Fossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinctionFossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinction
- You can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOSYou can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOS
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
Travel
- 5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene
- Paid Content for Advertiser
5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene - Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?
- A UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtownA UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtown
- An essential guide to the street art scene of Kaunas, Lithuania
- Paid Content for Advertiser
An essential guide to the street art scene of Kaunas, Lithuania
