National Geographic: Best Photo of the Day

From, National Geographic website

Rubbing Stone, Washington

Photograph by Fritz Hoffmann, National GeographicLooking as if it fell from the sky, a 40-ton erratic stands on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State. Such boulders are sometimes called rubbing stones because bison scratched up against them.

Oak Tree, Louisiana

Photograph by Edwin L. Wisherd, National GeographicChildren play on an oak tree near St. Francisville, Louisiana, in this photo published in the April 1930 issue of National Geographic.While on assignment in Louisiana, staff photographer Edwin Wisherd explored New Orleans for over a week before shooting a single picture.

Lightning, Oklahoma

Photograph by Mitch DobrownerNear Guymon, OklahomaMost storms move fast. This one crept over a farming community for more than an hour, bristling with electricity. "No two storms are the same," says James LaDue, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. "No two skies are either."

Emperor Penguins, Antarctica

Photograph by Paul Nicklen, National GeographicEmperor penguins are Olympian swimmers, capable of diving to 1,750 feet and remaining underwater 20 minutes on a single breath. "I was mesmerized by their beautiful bubble trails," says Nicklen, who braved 28°F water to capture these images.

Infinty Pool, Singapore

Photograph by Chia Ming ChienThe vertiginous "infinity pool" at the Marina Bay Sands resort offers a sweeping view of Singapore, a country that's achieved success while building up instead of out.

Asiago Plateau, Italy

Photograph by Vittorio Poli, Your ShotThe small town where I live (Asiago plateau, Italy) is shrouded in fog in this image taken from the top of a mountain.

Litlanesfoss, Iceland

Photograph by Wild Wonders of EuropeAt Litlanesfoss, the waterfall cross-sections an ancient lava flow, which formed columns as it cooled.

Autumn Woods, Germany

Photograph by Jonathan ManshackThis photo was taken during autumn in Hameln, Germany, which is the birthplace of the infamous Rattenfänger—or Pied Piper, as we Americans know it. This shot is actually on top of the last few hills that soon sink into the state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony). This area is essentially lowland plains—hence the name Lower Saxony!

Mahó Beach, St. Maarten

Photograph by Kent MillerLanding at Princess Juliana International Airport, a looming 747 thrills visitors on Mahó beach, a famous plane-watching spot.

Desert Rivers, Mexico

Photograph by Adriana Franco, Your ShotRivers form treelike figures on the desert of Baja California, Mexico.

Terraced Rice Field, China

Photograph by Thierry Bornier, My ShotYunnan, China, is a beautiful place for shooting rice field terraces.