A person in a silver space suit collects samples among the rocky ground.

These are our favorite science photos of 2021

A volcano revealed, a lung x-rayed, a rocket launched: National Geographic editors selected these 23 fascinating images of science and technology in action.

Pitchfork in hand, Armando Salazar clambers across sizzling black rock, a precious hunk of lava held in his farm tool’s tines. Strange though the scene may be, it’s another day on the job for Salazar, a Spanish sergeant helping with the emergency response to the La Palma volcanic eruption. Thanks to Salazar and others, scientists are getting fresh samples of the volcano’s rock, which will help them understand the current eruption. (From “Dramatic photos show La Palma volcano’s ongoing eruption,” November 2021.)
Photograph by Arturo Rodríguez

When one of the volcanoes on La Palma in the Canary Islands began erupting in September, photographer Arturo Rodríguez heard the frantic news broadcasts while in the shower at his home on the neighboring island of Tenerife. He quickly booked a flight and arrived in La Palma a few hours later, where he has worked around the clock to document the volcano’s power and devastation. “I never dreamed about being so close to something like this,” he told National Geographic. “It’s so big, so powerful.”

Rodríguez’s remarkable photographs of this eruption are just some of 23 images selected by National Geographic’s photo editors as our favorite science and technology photos of 2021. 

This year saw photographers chronicle the power and

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

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

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

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

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