22 November 2024 | 12:53

National Geographic: the best photos of 2024

National Geographic / Photograph by Aaron Huey

Tengrinews.kz - American monthly magazine National Geographic has presented its "Pictures of the Year" selection, which features the most exciting and significant photographs from around the world.

The National Geographic Magazine photographers have been traveling to a variety of locations throughout the year to capture the most breathtaking images. From 2.3 million photos, the magazine has selected 20 that "will provoke thoughts and drop jaws." Tengrinews.kz has selected the ones that we found most striking and interesting.

Taking the plunge

Photograph by Bertie Gregory

Photographer Bertie Gregory captured this stunning image of a young emperor penguin jumping off a 15-meter cliff for its first swim in Atka Bay, Antarctica. The species typically breeds on low sea ice, but with climate change, it is increasingly found on ice shelves. Abandoned by their parents, the chicks are forced to forage for food at sea after a month.

Total eclipse of the heart

Photograph by Aaron Huey

On April 8, a solar eclipse took place across North America. As the eclipse was visible in all its glory, Russellville, Arkansas hosted a festival called Elope at the Eclipse, where over a hundred couples exchanged vows. In this photo by photographer Aaron Huey, one couple and their children watch the four-minute total solar eclipse.

New hope for rhinos

Photograph by Ami Vitale

This photo from Nanyuki, Kenya highlights an important issue in the animal kingdom. There are only two northern white rhinoceroses left on the planet. In January, scientists from the BioRescue project achieved the first pregnancy in a southern white rhino after transferring an embryo via IVF to a surrogate mother. Here, a scientist holds a 70-day-old rhino fetus conceived via in vitro fertilization. Shared by Amy Vitale.

"While the moment was ‘heartbreaking,’ Ami Vitale says, it proved that in vitro fertilization is viable in rhinos," is said in the photo description.

Deep knowledge

Photograph by Robbie Shone

Robbie Shone took this photo of Bongolo Cave. Researchers are creating an archive of past rainfalls. They are analyzing stalagmites — calcium carbonate formations that form when water drips onto the cave floor over thousands of years. The project aims to understand climate threats that could affect agriculture in Ngounie Province, Gabon.

Dangerous Crossroads

Photograph by Jasper Doest

Jasper Doest took a truly astonishing photo. An elephant lies dead along a busy road in Sioma, Zambia after being hit by a car. Onlookers and school buses flocked to the scene. Elephants in the area are forced to cross the M10 highway to reach the Zambezi River, their only source of water. Climate change is forcing them to compete for the natural resource they use to sew.

"Humans and wildlife compete for the same resources, mainly water," the photo's description reads.

Where faiths converge

Photograph by Matthieu Paley

This photo was taken in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan. We see a tree that fell on the shrine’s grave many years ago. The shrine is located in an area with a rich history of animism, Zoroastrianism, and Buddhism — is maintained by local Wakhi people who are Ismaili Muslims. Photographer Matthieu Paley shows a man praying by the tree, which is decorated with ibex and sheep horns.

A forever home

Photograph by Christie Hemm Klok

Benson, Arizona is home to amazing birds - macaws. These are highly social birds that live an average of 40 to 60 years and often exhibit stressed behavior in captivity. Photographer Christie Hemm Klok showed how they are kept at the Oasis Sanctuary. In the shots, Janet Trumbule, who runs the refuge, tries to coax them down with walnuts, a favorite food.

Author - Nuray Kapen

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