National Geographic

Many of our favorite snacks contain dyes and preservatives, but some of these common ingredients are actually banned outside of the U.S. Just how damaging can these additives be?

The solar eclipse begs an interesting question: Will bats, which are nocturnal, get confused by the sudden onset of darkness and emerge from their roosts in the middle of the day?

Aerial view of a waterfall on the Ataro River near Wayalayeng Village, Guyana.

Do you find that epic destinations can be hampered by too much tourism? These alternatives will help you see breathtaking places without the crowds.

As this impressive gelada monkey proves, strength is essential when it comes to fending off potential rivals. Narrated by Angela Bassett, #NatGeoQueens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Named after the 19th Century Dutch painter, there's more to Ishan Agarwal's 2022 discovery than meets the eye. Find out what makes this newly discovered species of gecko a true masterpiece.

The Pyramids of Giza are a mysterious architectural feat—but the Red Sea Scrolls give an unprecedented look at who built the ancient wonder. https://on.natgeo.com/3vDnAvs

From visiting forests to watching over valleys, find out how you could help NASA learn more about how the animal kingdom reacts to solar eclipses on April 8.

If trying to "go green" feels like another entry on your long to-do list, this article is for you!

Using a scanning electron microscope to zoom in for the tiniest views, this photographer seeks to help people better understand today’s ecological breakdown—and encourage them to work to reverse it.

A female brown bear and her three cubs notice another bear approaching in the sedge meadows in Alaska. #NatGeoQueens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu

Scientists are just starting to learn what’s going on inside the bodies and minds of people with heightened abilities—and they’re finding that while our genes grant some of us an edge, most of us hold untapped potential. https://on.natgeo.com/4aHlcmm

Before you trash the skin of your peeled fruits and vegetables, think about what nutritious properties you could be missing out on.

A nickname, an insult, a baseball team—throughout history, the term "Yankee" has had many uses, but what does it actually mean?

Spring flowers bloom in a green and mossy forest in Washington's Olympic National Park.

Dermatologists explain the science behind the wildly popular treatment, which is now available at home—for a steep price.

Utah is home to sublime national parks, a dynamic cultural scene, and wild spaces from salt flats to slot canyons. Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

Happy 90th birthday to a pioneer of ethology 🐵 Today and every day, we celebrate the groundbreaking work of Dr. Jane Goodall through her inspiring legacy and unwavering dedication to the conservation of our planet 🌎 #JANE is now streaming on Disney+. #ourHOME

Serotonin has been dubbed the "happy hormone" but scientists say there's still much to learn about how it actually affects mood.

Whether you travel light or heavy, a toiletry kit is essential to keeping your luggage tidy. These are our picks. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Though we often talk about chemotherapy as one treatment, there are more than 100 chemotherapy drugs that can be used to treat different cancers. Here's what to know.

Spring is now in full bloom, and the change in season brings the opportunity for new travel experiences. Whether it’s water festivities in Thailand, vibrant fiesta fun in Spain, or late-season snow rides in the Alps, April holds an array of experiences you don’t want to miss.

For 136 years, National Geographic has been charting the state of our planet, illuminating the wonder of our world for readers, and helping them understand it better. These stories show how the world is bracing for—and embracing—its future.

These hotels, campgrounds, and resorts are a gateway to Civil War lore, outdoor adventure, and more.

Sunlight filters through hemlock and white pine in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania, USA.

Total solar eclipses occur on Earth once every year or two, but spotting them can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here are a few tips on how you can photograph the upcoming total eclipse! https://on.natgeo.com/3PL30zT

Ready to improve your bird-watching skills with a new pair of binoculars but overwhelmed by the different price tags and features? We've got you covered. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Male Euglossa orchid bees gather scent compounds from a Coryanthes orchid. The male bees mix these scents with fragrances from other sources and release them to attract females.

It took many maids and butlers to run the opulent residences of 19th-century swells. New tours are telling their stories.

New encounters mean new opportunities for love, but things don't always work out in the animal queendom. #NatGeoQueens, narrated by Angela Bassett, is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Our world is an amazing, epic, fragile, wonder-filled place. It's #ourHOME, and we have the power to love and look after it. This Earth Month, join National Geographic and Disney as we take action to protect, restore, and celebrate the planet we share. 💛🌍🎉 Visit https://on.natgeo.com/3xiCesB to learn more and join the celebration on Disney+ all month long.

Celebrate #ourHOME this Earth Month with more of National Geographic on Disney+!

Celebrate #ourHOME this Earth Month with more of National Geographic on Disney+!

For 150 million years, gars—a group commonly derided as “trash fish”—have mostly stayed the same, a rare consistency not even seen in sharks, a new study says.

Home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, the Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin was so influential that Albert Einstein insisted on visiting. Now you can too.

These pills and creams claim to help with hot flashes, bone loss, and other symptoms of the transitional phase before menopause—but do they? We asked experts.

Shadows crisscross a field of orange hawkweed flowers in Jackson, New Hampshire, USA.

Using citizen science, AI, and millions of hours of audio, BirdNET has become a key resource in avian conservation.

Located about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Abisko is one of Sweden’s northernmost settlements. Its clear skies make it a dream destination for aurora seekers.

Did you know one of the last samurai was a woman? Here’s the story of Takeko Nakano—one of Japan’s fiercest warriors. :jp: Learn more about the essential role women played in creating and upholding the warrior state in the seven centuries samurai ruled Japan: https://on.natgeo.com/3TUxq5p

The iconic Polaroid camera made anyone a photographer with a push of a button. Meet the woman who changed photography forever.

Growing up under a matriarch like Sofia, this pod of orca has learned a lot. Now they're finally ready to strike! #NatGeoQueens, narrated by Angela Bassett, is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

More than 30 species of fish are mysteriously spinning in circles in the Florida Keys. No one knows why. As of March 2024, locals and scientists have identified the bizarre actions in at least 44 species, including the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish. Here’s how various universities, institutes, and state agencies are racing to identify the culprit: https://on.natgeo.com/3VF2uHr

Welders are essential to the oil and gas industries—but might lose a finger or two. Here’s what the job actually entails.

She’s one of the most recognized figures in the Bible—and perhaps the most misunderstood. That might be why scholars just can’t quit chasing down the truth about Mary Magdalene.

With the body of a man and the face of a monkey, Hanuman’s epic feats have been recounted for centuries—and he’s still revered in Hindu culture today.

Women’s health concerns are dismissed more and studied less. But researchers are beginning to fill in those gaps—from menstruation to menopause. https://on.natgeo.com/49bM38Q

To take in Utah’s natural and cultural attractions, you’ll need ample time—and a comfortable place to lay your head. Here are seven of the best spots to stay.

While solar eclipses and the northern lights get the most attention, comets, meteor showers, and other spectacular night sky events happen all year round.

A view of Marsh canal on a cloudy yet bright day in Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana, USA.

Your workout can have profound impacts on digestion. In rare instances, these effects can be dangerous but experts say a few tweaks can help most of us perform and feel better.

From its murky origins to its status as a symbol of authority and power, Nurarihyon embodies our timeless fascination with the supernatural.

Giant Sequoia trees under the stars in Sequoia National Park, California, USA.

Scotland is home to a grand UNESCO Heritage trail, an island of whisky, and a pagan fire festival, just to name a few. Here are the top 10 ways to experience this windswept country.

To help feed our future, everyone in the food value chain needs to work together. Here’s how. https://on.natgeo.com/4cLGSQ2

With so much salmon on offer, these bears are ready to dive into a feeding frenzy! Narrated by Angela Bassett, #NatGeoQueens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Humans can’t sprout giant claws like the X-Men's Wolverine or shoot energy beams from their eyes like Cyclops—but our bodies and brains hold the potential for many seemingly superhuman feats, scientists say.

For centuries, kings and queens have enrobed themselves in luxurious fur called ermine—which has a rich history.

A test to protect Earth from asteroids unleashed a swarm of boulders—and a new study suggests that there may be some unintended consequences.

Happy Manatee Appreciation Day! Buffett is one of only two trained manatees in the world participating in special research at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. He helps scientists understand how to better protect his endangered species in the wild. Video by Gena Steffens https://on.natgeo.com/3PDANez

A 1,200-year record of cherry blossoms shows our current climate is historically unprecedented.

A juvenile manatee takes center stage in an aggregation of manatees swimming through Homosassa Spring's Fish Bowl, Florida, USA. #ManateeAppreciationDay

American manufacturers started widely using asbestos in their products in the 19th century. Here's why use of the material persisted, despite attempts to ban it decades ago.

In A.D. 415 Christian fanatics attacked and murdered Hypatia of Alexandria, claiming she was a heretic using black magic. Here’s the truth.

Are lab-grown diamonds better for people, and the planet, than mined diamonds? Or is this scientific sorcery too good to be true?

It can be easy for people to quickly get in over their heads while exploring the great outdoors. Here’s what experts say you should always have in your pack. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

A brook trout swims in Virginia's Dry River, Virginia, USA.

Here’s everything you need to know about Scotland—from the best time to visit to the best places to stay.

Two of the most awe-inspiring national phenomena captured in one timelapse video: A volcano near the Icelandic town of Grindavik erupts against the backdrop of the Northern Lights. via ABC News

Water and sewer systems built in the mid-19th century weren't meant to handle the demands of modern cities, and many bridges and levees have aged well past their intended lifespan.

For modern romantics, the “swipe right” feature on dating apps has become a colloquial shorthand for attraction. Now, it’s under fire. On Valentine’s Day, a lawsuit filed by six people accused popular dating apps of designing “addictive, game-like” features made to “lock users into a perpetual pay-to-play loop.” But the news has also brought attention to an ongoing debate: Are these products truly addictive? https://on.natgeo.com/3xgjNEy

A photographer’s innovative technique reveals the flight paths of insects in exquisitely alluring ways.

Mexico's culinary heartland, Oaxaca is famed for its array of complex, spiced sauces, known as moles. So much more than side dishes, they're very often the main event.

Aerial view of a rainbow on the Klamath River, California, USA.

Underneath the dancing and colorful chaos lies unique culture and deeply rooted tradition. Here’s what you need to know about Holi.

To take in Utah’s natural and cultural attractions, you’ll need ample time—and a comfortable place to lay your head. Here are seven of the best spots to stay.

Over three thousand years ago, a volcanic eruption ended an ancient civilization. A new study offers clues about what the next major eruption could look like.

Known as “living fossils,” organisms like horseshoe crabs are descendents of ancient lineages and are nearly indistinguishable from their prehistoric ancestors. The mystery of why some species have coasted through evolutionary history and why some species have extinguished may boil down to chance. https://on.natgeo.com/3PvUe96

Amidst the chaos between different groups, Tala, the alpha female, takes the initiative to resolve any tension—she just needs a little help from her bonobo sisters! Discover more about these powerful queens in #NatGeoQueens, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Sleeping on a plane can be difficult for even the most seasoned traveler, let alone a first-time flier. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting some rest while flying. With a little practice and the right tools, you can master sleeping on a plane. Here are a few must-have products to help you on your way. https://on.natgeo.com/3VqceFA (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases).

A piglet in Aquarena Springs, San Marcos, Texas, USA.

Thanks to a modern marketing campaign, the not-really-rare gem became the iconic stone for eternal love.

You may have heard of the Blue Lagoon but have you heard of the Forest Lagoon? Surrounded by pine, birch, and overlooking the longest fjord in northern Iceland, this lagoon is a wellness oasis 🌲 ✨ Discover why the Forest Lagoon is a must-visit in episode two of our #BestOfTheWorld series, on YouTube now. Available at: https://on.natgeo.com/4as7d3k

The primatologist found parallels between human behavior and that of our evolutionary cousins.

Today’s cannabis strains are not your grandma’s weed—and they may be impacting your mental health, heart health, and more.

For modern romantics, the “swipe right” feature on dating apps has become a colloquial shorthand for attraction—and the pursuit of love itself. Now, it’s under fire.

Manatees swarm in the winter warmth of Blue Spring State Park, Florida, USA.

You can't say we don't keep Eva zu Beck on her toes 😉 In the latest episode of #BestOfTheWorld, follow Eva as she plunges into Iceland’s beautiful Forest Lagoon. Watch the full episode: https://on.natgeo.com/4cwohXR

The eclipse on April 8 will happen at a solar maximum, meaning its totality (when the moon completely blocks the sun) will last up to four and a half minutes, creating the darkest eclipse conditions in the U.S. for more than 200 years.

Endangered wild whooping cranes must soar across the continent each year to ensure the survival of their species—a journey packed with obstacles like power lines and poaching.

The capital is blooming with revitalized neighborhoods and new attractions, from the culinary to the cultural — and there’s no better time to visit than spring.

The colossal volcano is taller than Mount Everest, would reach from New York City to Washington, D.C., and may be a promising site to look for ancient remnants of microbial life.

A reusable water bottle may seem like a no-brainer tool in the quest for better health. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to find the best one for your needs. We narrowed it down for you. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Though a small country, Scotland’s countless castles, islands, and lochs make it hard to decide where and how to spend your time. These are the top spots local experts recommend.

Happy World Water Day! The Hurricane River, on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, empties into the south shore of Lake Superior, Michigan in this image from our archives.

Love, vulnerability, and visibility—Campbell Addy strives to showcase his experience through his art. Follow his story in Photographer, Monday at 8/7c on National Geographic. Stream on Disney+ and Hulu. #NatGeoPhotographer

APRIL 8: ABC News and National Geographic announce #EclipseAcrossAmerica, an unprecedented live event broadcasting the rare total eclipse, premiering April 8 at 2PM ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic TV, Nat Geo Wild, Disney+ and Hulu!

With ingredients like phthalates and single-use plastic containers, cleaning products can be some of the most toxic for the planet. But wading through marketing claims and chemical definitions to find the best natural cleaning products can be tricky. These are our picks. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

The inspiration for the desert planet of Arrakis and many of Dune’s environmental themes lies along a remote stretch of Pacific Northwest coastline.

In life-threatening situations, your body instantaneously recruits the largest and fastest muscle fibers needed for explosive force and power.

From a historic lodge surrounded by Washington State wildflowers to cottages amid Hawaii’s tropical glories, these stays come with a side of nature in bloom.

A bee sits on a marigold flower in Coronado National Forest, Arizona, USA.

Flowers possess hidden patterns, akin to maps, which guide specific pollinators directly to their pollen and nectar. A new system of UV photography uncovers this hidden beauty.

Most orcas tend to stick to coastlines,but scientists have found what could be a brand-new population of killer whales: Animals that ply the high seas, hunting large whales and other sizable prey.

Dan Winters sees the world differently—bringing incredible magic to what he captures! 📸 Follow his journey and discover what inspires him in all-new episodes of Photographer, Mondays at 8/7c on National Geographic TV. Now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. #NatGeoPhotographer

Alcohol can disrupt your brain chemistry, lowering the quantity of calming chemicals and diminishing your well-being. Here’s why hangxiety happens—and what you can do about it. https://on.natgeo.com/3IM2JZJ

From pretending to be their prey’s prey (or their mate), to attracting prey with dazzling patterns, these tricky spiders don’t rely on their webs alone.

Getting in 9,000 to 10,000 daily steps cuts risk of death by more than a third and reduced cardiovascular disease risk by at least 20 percent, but even smaller increases showed benefits.

Grape hyacinths cover the original site of the Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania in this image from our archives.

We've rounded up the most eco-friendly kitchen, bathroom, and all-purpose cleaners—from powders to sprays and options that don't include plastic packaging.

A wonderland of ancient geology sculpted by water and wind, Utah is best explored with a pair of hiking boots and a thirst for adrenaline. Here are six quintessential experiences for exploring the Beehive State.

Famous ancient Stoic Porcia Cato was a woman of firm political convictions. She helped her husband Brutus see the plot to the very end.

Scientists are chasing clues, but haven't yet found what's causing the strange behavior. “It is very strange to see such a prolonged event affecting so many different species.”

Take the sleeper train to the Scottish Highlands to strike out on an adventure through some of the wildest, most remote terrain in Europe.

Spring cleaning, a deep cleanse of one’s home, is a tradition ingrained in societies worldwide, with roots tracing back to ancient times.

The best vacuums for pet hair should have durability and versatility—and the ability to grab hair from corners. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Senior Vice President of Development and Production for National Geographic, Janet Han Vissering, and Executive Producer Pamela Caragol know that the queens of the natural world have a lot of valuable lessons to teach humans 💖 Find out more at https://on.natgeo.com/NGFBQBTS. Narrated by Angela Bassett, #NatGeoQueens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Storytellers, adventurers, trailblazers—photographers can do it all. From Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin and showcasing Krystle Wright, Muhammed Muheisen, Campbell Addy, Anand Varma, Dan Winters, Paul Nicklen Photography, and Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier, don't miss Photographer, Mondays at 8/7c on National Geographic TV. Now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. #NatGeoPhotographer

For the Northern Hemisphere, March 19 is the first day of spring. But for 300 million people around the world, it’s the beginning of a new year, too.

Many Japanese cherry trees bloom along the capital's Tidal Basin in Washington, DC in this image from our archives.

Every six months, the equinox splits Earth's day almost in half. Here's how it happens—and why people have celebrated it since ancient times.

By purchasing knock-off medications from medical spas or via apps and websites, consumers risk products that are not safe or fit for human consumption.

This plucky female cougar traveled about a thousand miles, one of the longest ever recorded by a GPS-collared cougar. Her 2022 journey is the latest of about 200 recorded cases of cougars that have wandered east in recent decades.

Here’s what you need to know to pick the best machine for you, whether you’re looking for nature sounds, ASMR, portability, or the best option for baby. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

What kind of person chases a tornado, or dives among sharks, or travels into a conflict zone, all for a photograph?

For the bonobo monkey, playing can be a great way to break the ice with new friends. Narrated by Angela Bassett, #NatGeoQueens is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

The eye of a gray whale swimming in San Ignacio lagoon, Baja, Mexico.

Death cap mushrooms are exploiting our interconnected world to start popping up in unexpected, new places. And it's not the only fungus taking advantage.

Record warm ocean temperatures and a potential La Niña may create a “perfect storm” of conditions needed for major hurricanes.

Alcohol disrupts your brain chemistry, lowering the quantity of calming chemicals and diminishing your well-being.

Armed with the most sophisticated vision and fastest strike of any predator on Earth, the mantis shrimp is an unsuspecting threat.

This aerial view of Dzibanche hardly hints at the true size of the Mayan city in Mexico’s Yucatan. Lidar—laser technology that digitally removes the forest canopy—has now revealed its staggering scale and sophistication. https://on.natgeo.com/43iqNNj

Fer-de-lance snake amongst leaf litter and forest cover in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

Shamrocks, green beer, and leprechauns are part and parcel of any self-respecting St. Patrick’s Day celebration. But how did these traditions become associated with the feast day of a fifth-century missionary?

Easter Island, El Dorado, and other places have given up some of their secrets, but questions still remain.

La Route Des Saveurs in Charlevoix, Quebéc, offers visitors a taste of one of the oldest agricultural regions in North America with flavors to rival France.

Hundreds of millions of years later, these species are nearly indistinguishable from their prehistoric ancestors.

Imagine disposing of an old pair of shoes by simply composting them. The mycotextile industry is placing a big bet on that future—and redefining the limits of fashion.

This little understood disorder leads some to hear loud crashes or booms as they're drifting off to sleep.

A polar bear, Ursus maritimus, walks on an ice floe, Arctic Ocean.

Sometime late this spring, under a cloak of darkness, a horde of bulbous-eyed insects will emerge from underground. Beginning anytime between late April to June, two broods of cicadas will emerge for a rare, dually-occurring return to the world above—something that hasn’t happened in 221 years. https://on.natgeo.com/4cm4NFx

Sleep headphones can be a game-changer for travelers and people who are easily distracted by ambient noise like traffic or snoring.

Scientists aren’t sure what microscopic face mites do, but they know where to find them: in the pores and hair follicles of most adult humans’ faces.

There are currently five services that grant quicker passage through U.S. airport security. Here are the pros and cons of each.

Women’s health concerns are dismissed more and studied less. But researchers are beginning to fill in those gaps—from menstruation to menopause.

Flying along the Massachusetts coast, researchers conducting aerial surveys spotted something they never expected: a gray whale diving and surfacing in a place the species has not been seen for more than two hundred years.

Her exploits became the stuff of legend, glamorizing life in the Old West. But Martha Jane Canary’s real life story bears little resemblance to the fictional heroine.

Resistance training like weightlifting improves your metabolism, allowing your body to burn more calories even at rest.

Starship soared into space but failed to survive the trip home, making a halting step forward in SpaceX’s goal to deliver NASA astronauts to the moon.

A raft of water hyacinths floats in Atchafalaya Delta waters, Louisiana.

Two large broods of cicadas in the Midwest and southeastern U.S. are set to surface simultaneously—something that hasn't happened in over 200 years.

T. rexes and other theropods first appeared in National Geographic in 1919. But each new discovery since brought a new look for these apex predators.

Scientists' intrigue with fungi is twofold: the fungus in our bodies could hold crucial answers about the behavior of cancer cells, and the benefits of medicinal mushrooms are promising.

From supportive neck pillows to compression socks, here are our favorite products—and a few tips—to help you arrive at your destination rested and ready. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

We explain the difference between organic, non-GMO, and certified naturally grown—and whether they're worth paying a premium for.

Interactions between birds may look chaotic, but there’s a method to the madness. Play to find out which ones dominate at your feeder and why.

For millions of years, Earth was a hot and rocky planet. Scientists have some hypotheses on how life emerged amid such inhospitable terrain.

Worried about being misled by modified photos? Whether they’re historical images like this one of Lincoln or from the Royal Family, it can be hard to identify a manipulated photo. Here are some tips you can start using today: https://on.natgeo.com/49VN1qT

About 1 in 3 American adults aren't getting enough high-quality sleep. These devices may help offer some insight into why. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Mount Bellview rises in the distance over the East River riparian as seen from Road 317 west of Gothic, CO.

Flora. Fauna. Funga. The case for fungi to be considered their own kingdom within the natural world was simple: Without them, much of life as we know it on this planet would not exist.

The moves, the fragrance, the confidence—this orchid bee has it all 🌟 #NatGeoQueens, narrated by Angela Bassett, is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city tucked between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, is seeing a creative rebirth as artists, chefs, and musicians open new ventures.

Here's when and where to see these delicate pink and white flowers across the country.

Most people drink coffee and tea to help stay awake. But scientists warn against overconsumption—and that higher dosage caffeine drinks can lead to stress, lack of sleep, and even death.

To protect yourself from misinformation, experts suggest analyzing everything from how a photograph is lit to where you’re getting your information in the first place.

Courting penguins, Aptenodytes patagonicus, eye each other up on South Georgia Island.

From supportive neck pillows to compression socks, here are our favorite products—and a few tips—to help you arrive at your destination rested and ready. (Nat Geo will receive a commission from these purchases)

Products that don’t contain bisphenol A may still contain “cousin” chemicals that can also harm the brain, liver, and reproductive system, and increase the risk of certain diseases.

These classic theaters provide travelers with a roadmap to the birthplace of the modern movie business. Here are a few of our favorites.

The discovery of a large cache of hydrogen deep in an Albanian mine has researchers searching for more of the gas trapped in the earth.