2021-04-12
Earth from the International Space Station, photographed by astronaut Jeff Williams (© Jeff Williams/NASA)
宇航员杰夫·威廉姆斯在国际空间站拍摄到的地球 (© Jeff Williams/NASA)
Sixty years ago today at around 9 AM Moscow time, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to get a view of Earth from space (like this one captured from the ISS by astronaut Jeff Williams). With the famous utterance 'Poyekhali!' ('Off we go!'), Gagarin launched into low Earth orbit in his Vostok 3KA spacecraft, making history in less than two hours with a complete trip around the planet. Landing in rural Russia, he became an instant worldwide celebrity—that is, after convincing puzzled locals he was a comrade and not a space alien.
Earth from the International Space Station, photographed by astronaut Jeff Williams (© Jeff Williams/NASA)
宇航员杰夫·威廉姆斯在国际空间站拍摄到的地球 (© Jeff Williams/NASA)
Sixty years ago today at around 9 AM Moscow time, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to get a view of Earth from space (like this one captured from the ISS by astronaut Jeff Williams). With the famous utterance 'Poyekhali!' ('Off we go!'), Gagarin launched into low Earth orbit in his Vostok 3KA spacecraft, making history in less than two hours with a complete trip around the planet. Landing in rural Russia, he became an instant worldwide celebrity—that is, after convincing puzzled locals he was a comrade and not a space alien.
2021-04-13
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya Historical Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya, Thailand (© travelstock44/Alamy)
大城历史公园中的帕喜善佩寺，泰国大城府 (© travelstock44/Alamy)
In present-day Thailand sit the ruins of the ancient kingdom that preceded it, Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, shown here, was the holiest site in the capital of that kingdom, a royal temple containing a 52-foot tall, golden Buddha among other treasures. The first king of Ayutthaya, Ramathibodi I, ordered construction of a royal palace here in 1350. Nearly a century later, they palace was moved to a different location in the city and the former palace grounds were converted to a holy site.
Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya Historical Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya, Thailand (© travelstock44/Alamy)
大城历史公园中的帕喜善佩寺，泰国大城府 (© travelstock44/Alamy)
In present-day Thailand sit the ruins of the ancient kingdom that preceded it, Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, shown here, was the holiest site in the capital of that kingdom, a royal temple containing a 52-foot tall, golden Buddha among other treasures. The first king of Ayutthaya, Ramathibodi I, ordered construction of a royal palace here in 1350. Nearly a century later, they palace was moved to a different location in the city and the former palace grounds were converted to a holy site.
2021-04-14
Wildflowers in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, California (© Dennis Frates/Alamy)
卡里佐平原国家纪念区的野花，加利福尼亚 (© Dennis Frates/Alamy)
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a unique attraction in California—not just because of its breathtaking, colorful views, but also due to its quiet, isolated feel. Just a few hours from Los Angeles, it covers almost 250,000 acres along the base of the Temblor Mountains, giving visitors a chance to escape the crowds and experience nature. In spring, wildflowers cover the hills and valley floor, creating the amazing scene pictured here. The area also features other diverse plant species, including several listed as threatened or endangered. Wildlife includes antelope and elk, as well as rare species such as the San Joaquin kit fox, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and the giant kangaroo rat.
Wildflowers in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, California (© Dennis Frates/Alamy)
卡里佐平原国家纪念区的野花，加利福尼亚 (© Dennis Frates/Alamy)
The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a unique attraction in California—not just because of its breathtaking, colorful views, but also due to its quiet, isolated feel. Just a few hours from Los Angeles, it covers almost 250,000 acres along the base of the Temblor Mountains, giving visitors a chance to escape the crowds and experience nature. In spring, wildflowers cover the hills and valley floor, creating the amazing scene pictured here. The area also features other diverse plant species, including several listed as threatened or endangered. Wildlife includes antelope and elk, as well as rare species such as the San Joaquin kit fox, the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and the giant kangaroo rat.