Virunga National Park in Africa's Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga National Park is one of the most biologically diverse protected areas on the planet. Half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa can be found in Virunga. The park is also a geologic wonder and contains two of the world’s most active volcanoes. For much of its long history, though, Virunga National Park has been severely threatened by armed conflict. Thanks to the dedication of the park’s rangers and wardens, Virunga has been able to survive. Certain politicians, the European Union, conservationists, philanthropists, and private donors have also played a vital role in Virunga’s survival.

Moon Shot | Episode 3 | India: Team Indus

Deepana Gandhi dreamed of a career in math/science, but she grew up in rural India where women aren't typically afforded the same opportunities as men. After struggling to find a job, Deepana eventually landed at Indus in Bangalore, where she works on the equations necessary for navigating to the moon. Episode Three of Moon Shot, a documentary from Academy Award®-nominated director Orlando von Einsiedel, Executive Producer J.J. Abrams, Bad Robot, Epic Digital Google and XPRIZE (http://lunar.xprize.org). The Google Lunar XPRIZE is the largest prize competition of all time with a reward of $30 million and aims to incentivize entrepreneurs to create a new era of affordable access to the Moon and beyond, while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city of Cuba and capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island, some 870 km (540 mi) south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana.
Santiago de Cuba is the capital of Cuba's southeastern Santiago de Cuba Province, facing a bay off the Caribbean Sea. Founded by the Spanish in 1515, it's known for colonial architecture and revolutionary history. The city's distinctive Afro-Cuban cultural influences are on display during July's Carnaval, a days-long festival with drum-beating parades featuring colorful costumes and son dancing, a precursor to salsa.

Machu Picchu in Peru

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it’s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.

Selfie From Mars:The Curiosity rover sends a self-portrait home.

Nothing on Mars comes easy—and that includes the straightforward business of taking a selfie. The Curiosity rover has been trundling through the Martian dunes for three and a half years now, and since its first day on the job it’s been beaming home eye-popping images of the rusty plain, peaks and boulder fields that surround it.

World Press Photo of the Year

Photo of Refugee Family Wins World Press Photo of the Year.
The photo shows a man handing over his baby as he crosses into Hungary.

Wild Japan: Snow Monkeys