Best of 2017
National Geographic editors select the outstanding photos of the year, from nature to travel to world cultures.
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Animals
- Cow uses tools to scratch self in scientific firstCow uses tools to scratch self in scientific first
- These unearthly whale songs helped save humpbacks from extinctionThese unearthly whale songs helped save humpbacks from extinction
- Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'Rare mountain gorilla twins just born: 'It’s kind of miraculous'
- Inside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner platesInside a remote cave where tarantulas are as big as dinner plates
Environment
- 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
- A year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their storiesA year after L.A.'s wildfires, survivors share their stories
- Here's how plastics experts decorate for the holidaysHere's how plastics experts decorate for the holidays
History & Culture
- This Swiss region honors its heritage with a witch's ski raceThis Swiss region honors its heritage with a witch's ski race
- 5,000-year-old harpoons are the oldest direct evidence of whaling5,000-year-old harpoons are the oldest direct evidence of whaling
- How the ancient Romans became the world's greatest buildersHow the ancient Romans became the world's greatest builders
- Inside a steel sphere deep underwater, these explorers made historyInside a steel sphere deep underwater, these explorers made history
- When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.When was Pompeii really destroyed? Experts can’t seem to agree.
- These sunken ceramics ushered in a new era for archaeologyThese sunken ceramics ushered in a new era for archaeology
Science
- How Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments created modern geneticsHow Gregor Mendel’s pea plant experiments created modern genetics
- Watch Artemis II roll out aboard the heaviest vehicle on EarthWatch Artemis II roll out aboard the heaviest vehicle on Earth
- Is it raining or snowing? Here's why that's complicated.Is it raining or snowing? Here's why that's complicated.
- Cheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost populationCheetah mummies provide rare genome from a lost population
- Woolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomachWoolly rhino genome recovered from frozen wolf's stomach
Travel
- Literary travel ideas for every kind of book loverLiterary travel ideas for every kind of book lover
- This Canadian ‘desert’ is British Columbia’s secret winter oasisThis Canadian ‘desert’ is British Columbia’s secret winter oasis
- Why Serre Chevalier is great for a family ski tripWhy Serre Chevalier is great for a family ski trip
- What are 'football pilgrimages' and why are they on the rise?What are 'football pilgrimages' and why are they on the rise?
