Photo of the Day

stars over a dead tree in Dead Vlei, Namibia
May 19, 2016

In the Dead of Night

The skies are in constant movement over the stillness of Dead Vlei in Namibia. Dead Vlei, meaning “dead marsh,” is a clay pan studded with the remnants of trees that died hundreds of years ago. The star trails are a fitting backdrop to a landscape that looks otherworldly even in the light of day.

This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our storytelling community where members can take part in photo assignments, get expert feedback, be published, and more. Join now >>

Photograph by Michael Kovler, National Geographic Your Shot

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history