Best of 2017
National Geographic editors select the outstanding photos of the year, from nature to travel to world cultures.
Go Further
Animals
- Watch the most thrilling—and the weirdest—wildlife videos of 2025Watch the most thrilling—and the weirdest—wildlife videos of 2025
- Is the grumpy-faced Texas horned lizard cute enough to survive?Is the grumpy-faced Texas horned lizard cute enough to survive?
- In Patagonia, penguins are changing how pumas liveIn Patagonia, penguins are changing how pumas live
Environment
- 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
- What happens when a country loses most of its lakes?What happens when a country loses most of its lakes?
- Sharks are thriving in some marine parks—but not others. Why?Sharks are thriving in some marine parks—but not others. Why?
- Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?Is cutting back on plastic really worth all the effort?
- Why hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerousWhy hurricane flooding is about to get more dangerous
- In 100 seconds, see the impact of humans on planet EarthIn 100 seconds, see the impact of humans on planet Earth
- Farmers in Brazil are restoring biodiversity to grow resilient crops
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Farmers in Brazil are restoring biodiversity to grow resilient crops
History & Culture
- These 2025 discoveries reshaped what we know about the BibleThese 2025 discoveries reshaped what we know about the Bible
- How this 100-year-old sun compass unlocked polar explorationHow this 100-year-old sun compass unlocked polar exploration
- In Ireland, women celebrate their own 'Christmas' in JanuaryIn Ireland, women celebrate their own 'Christmas' in January
- Is there archaeological evidence for the Biblical fall of Jericho?Is there archaeological evidence for the Biblical fall of Jericho?
- Who was Pliny the Younger? How his words survived PompeiiWho was Pliny the Younger? How his words survived Pompeii
Science
- Earth is making its closest approach to the sun of the yearEarth is making its closest approach to the sun of the year
- January’s wolf moon is the last supermoon for nearly a year
- Science
- Night Sky Guide
January’s wolf moon is the last supermoon for nearly a year - Inside the bone-crushing mating rituals of dinosaursInside the bone-crushing mating rituals of dinosaurs
- Here’s where NASA is looking for life in our solar systemHere’s where NASA is looking for life in our solar system
Travel
- How to plan your first visit to Serengeti National ParkHow to plan your first visit to Serengeti National Park
- See the soul of Laos on this slow river cruise along the MekongSee the soul of Laos on this slow river cruise along the Mekong
- Technology is transforming travel and here's what's nextTechnology is transforming travel and here's what's next
