Photo of the Day
Picture 015
January 21, 2009
Desert of Death, Afghanistan
Like drifting clouds, hilltops mirrored in a mirage appear to float behind a Land-Rover. The illusion is created by heat waves shimmering in 120-degree (49-degree-Celsius) temperatures of the Dasht-i-Margo—Afghanistan's so-called "Desert of Death."
(Photo shot on assignment for "Afghanistan—Crossroad of Conquerors," September 1968, National Geographic magazine)
Go Further
Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
Environment
- Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddityMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
- Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?
- Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.
- How 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescueHow 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescue
- Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe
History & Culture
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
- How the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by historyHow the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by history
Science
- These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth
- Science
These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth - Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.
- Asteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar systemAsteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar system
- Explosive images of the sun may help unravel mysteriesExplosive images of the sun may help unravel mysteries
Travel
- What to do if you're caught in a disaster while travelling?What to do if you're caught in a disaster while travelling?
- This Thai hill tribe is teaching coffee-making to travellersThis Thai hill tribe is teaching coffee-making to travellers
- Eight shades of paradise across the Canaries
- Paid Content for Advertiser
Eight shades of paradise across the Canaries
