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Natural Wonders

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The Antherina suraka moth, safe under its furry coat.
science

Moth Fur Is the Ultimate Acoustic Armor

It muffles the clicks of ravenous, echolocating bats.
Matthew Taub November 9, 2018
museums

The Strange Allure of Hundreds of Samples of Hair

The naturalist Peter A. Browne's collection of strands, tufts, and swatches—from animals and presidents alike—was almost lost.
Jessica Leigh Hester November 9, 2018
Mexico

Cuzamá Cenotes

Three sinkholes filled with warm, crystal-clear water reached by a horse-driven cart on an old train track through the jungle.
Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Old Man of Storr

An ancient Scottish rock formation said to be the gravesite of a giant remains ensconced in legend and intrigue.
Wadi Qelt Canyon.
Almon, Israel

Wadi Qelt

A serene desert oasis speckled with ancient artifacts.
A mud pot.
Iceland

Námafjall

In Northeastern Iceland lies something of an oxymoron: a steaming desert.
Iceland

Hengifoss

The bright red stripes streaking across the rocks are the star feature at this Icelandic waterfall.
A man with his catch during a Point Clear jubilee in 2012.
nature

The Mysterious Bounty of Mobile Bay's Midnight Jubilees

On this stretch of coast, fish unpredictably flock ashore, providing a windfall of seafood.
Anna Marlis Burgard September 20, 2018
Bridges of Ross.
Ross, Ireland

Bridges of Ross

This natural sea arch highlights Ireland's rugged coastal beauty.
The 100,000 Soldiers.
Mialet, France

100,000 Soldiers of Trabuc Caves

This army of concretions is an unexplained geological phenomenon unlike anything else in the world.
Factory Butte with morning light.
Torrey, Utah

Factory Butte

A striking, menacing sandstone peak towering above a landscape that's equal parts Mordor and the Moon.
Burntcoat Head Park
Maitland, Nova Scotia

Burntcoat Head Park

The highest tides in the world come in and out here twice a day, allowing you to essentially walk along the ocean floor.
Woods Bay State Park
Olanta, South Carolina

Woods Bay State Park

This natural wonderland is a unique chance to explore a Carolina bay, a mysterious geological formation of unknown origin.
Black Mountain, North Carolina

Craggy Gardens Rhododendron Tunnels

Gnarled canopies of pink and purple wildflowers arch over the trail to the summit.
Aldeyjarfoss
Iceland

Aldeyjarfoss

A little-visited waterfall in an otherworldly landscape.
A blue glow in the surf has been observed during hours of darkness along a 15-mile stretch of California coast.
nature

A 15-Mile Stretch of California's Coast Is Currently Glowing Neon Blue

It's due to an unusual algal bloom known as a red tide.
Julia Carrie Wong May 15, 2018
A thaw circle.
nature

The Strange Magic of Forest Thaw Circles

As snow melts, a mysterious pattern appears around tree trunks.
Sarah Laskow April 3, 2018
Lonely tree reflected in turquoise blue water.
Lijiang, China

Blue Moon Valley

A bright turquoise river cascades beautifully down stepped terraces in southern China.