Two weeks ago, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued an alert about a massive geomagnetic solar storm that commenced on August 11, leading to a breathtaking display of auroras. This natural phenomenon, fueled by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), lit up the skies for over 48 hours and could be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California. Among those who captured this incredible light show were NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick and commercial airline pilot Scott Bateman, each from vastly different vantage points. Dominick, aboard the International Space Station, took stunning photos of the aurora with the moon visible behind a supply craft and the Soyuz spacecraft set against a backdrop of bright green auroras. His images quickly gained popularity online, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of Earth from space.

On the other hand, pilot Scott Bateman had a unique perspective from within Earth’s atmosphere as he flew a long-haul route in an Airbus A350-1000. As he soared at 39,000 feet above the planet, Bateman witnessed the auroras unfold in vivid detail, capturing the scene on his iPhone 15 without any editing or filters. Describing the experience as “spectacular,” Bateman noted that the light show began as his flight passed over Chicago and continued until dawn over Ireland, where the auroras shifted to stunning purples. His close-up view from the cockpit provided an extraordinary, real-time connection to the same natural event that Dominick observed from orbit, highlighting the incredible beauty and power of our planet’s interactions with solar activity.

Wildlife photographer Joe Moreno recently embarked on an extraordinary journey to Lake Clark National Park in Alaska, where he captured the intimate and majestic lives of the Alaska Peninsula brown bears, often known as “peninsular grizzlies.” These bears, among the largest of their kind, roam the lush forests and pristine rivers of the park, where an abundance of food sources like sedge grass, berries, and salmon sustains them. Moreno’s lens reveals a side of these formidable creatures that are rarely seen—a gentle and serene aspect that contrasts with their usual image. Lake Clark, now a sanctuary for these bears, has not always been so; forty years ago, the last bear was hunted in this region. Today, thanks to the efforts of lodge owners, park rangers, and guides, a unique relationship of trust and respect has been cultivated between humans and these wild animals, allowing photographers like Moreno to document them in their natural habitat.

Moreno’s dedication to following safety guidelines and earning the bears’ trust has resulted in a series of breathtaking photographs that provide a rare insight into the daily lives of these grizzlies. His images capture the bears as they engage in various behaviors—hunting, eating, and even play-fighting, with each bear appearing undisturbed by his presence. In one particularly poignant image, a bear named “Crimp Ear” is seen lounging on the beach, gazing sleepily into the camera, offering a glimpse of her unique personality. Moreno’s work not only showcases the grandeur of these creatures but also underscores the importance of the delicate relationship between humans and wildlife. His photographs are more than just images; they are a testament to the power of patience, respect, and the art of wildlife photography, making these grizzlies accessible to the world while preserving their natural dignity.

Early 20th-century portraits by Edward S. Curtis played a crucial role in preserving the heritage of Native Americans during a period of rapid American expansion and government intervention. Curtis, motivated by a belief that Native American cultures were disappearing, dedicated over 30 years to documenting their customs and traditions. Through the financial backing of patrons like J.P. Morgan, Curtis embarked on an ambitious project to produce a series of 20 volumes containing 1,500 photographs. His journey took him across the American West and into various Indian territories, where he photographed prominent Native Americans such as Geronimo, Red Cloud, and Chief Joseph. Beyond photography, Curtis aimed to provide a comprehensive view of Native American culture by recording their languages and music, ultimately producing 10,000 wax cylinder recordings. Despite facing financial difficulties and the impact of World War I, which diminished public interest in his work, Curtis’s efforts resulted in a vast archive that remains a valuable cultural resource.

Curtis’s work, while criticized for its romanticized and sometimes staged depictions, nonetheless offers a significant historical record of Native American life. His dedication led to the creating of over 40,000 images and extensive documentation of tribal practices, including folklore, clothing, traditional foods, housing, and ceremonies. Though Curtis’s original glass plate negatives were destroyed, his legacy endures through various collections. Northwestern University digitized The North American Indian, making it accessible online, while the Library of Congress holds a substantial collection of his silver-gelatin photographic prints. Additionally, Taschen’s 2015 publication of The North American Indian: The Complete Portfolio provides a physical compilation of Curtis’s work. These efforts ensure that Curtis’s documentation of Native American heritage remains available for future generations, offering insights into the diverse cultures and traditions of the tribes he sought to preserve.

Trendy “Anatomy Fashion” turns our insides into outside style with the help of AI, showcasing the innovative work of Hungarian artist David Szauder. Known for his digital collages, Szauder has harnessed the power of AI to elevate his creativity, using platforms like Midjourney and Photoshop to transform the human body into chic streetwear. His Instagram feed, which boasts a significant following, serves as a gallery for his free-flowing ideas. One standout series features anatomical sweaters and hoodies, inspired by Szauder’s curiosity about the unseen parts of our bodies. These designs not only turn heads with their trendy aesthetics but also aim to bridge the gap between our awareness and the hidden aspects of our anatomy. As Szauder explains, by making these invisible parts visible through fashion, he hopes to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of our bodies.

Szauder’s anatomy fashion is a testament to his skill in utilizing new technologies to achieve unprecedented creative freedom. After gathering materials like textures and anatomical illustrations, he meticulously constructs each image, likening the process to directing a film. AI allows him to refine every detail, from lighting and poses to colors and camera angles, resulting in hyper-realistic and captivating visuals. This technological advancement not only eliminates the technical limitations of traditional digital collages but also enables Szauder to focus more on the conceptual and artistic aspects of his work. As an educator in AI at Budapest’s Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Szauder emphasizes the importance of a strong concept and technical proficiency. His stunning AI anatomy fashions continue to captivate audiences, inspiring them to reimagine the relationship between fashion and the human body. For those interested in following his latest designs, Szauder’s Instagram is a must-visit.

Jan Erik Waider’s stunning aerial photographs of Iceland’s glacier rivers offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the abstract beauty of nature’s artistry. Through his lens, Waider transforms the intricate patterns of Iceland’s braided river systems into captivating visual narratives. With a keen eye for composition and an adept use of drones and small planes, Waider captures the ethereal essence of these winding waterways. His series, Glacier River Blues, unveils the enigmatic allure of the rivers, initially resembling obscure markings on a canvas, yet revealing their origins and significance upon closer inspection. Waider’s exploration not only showcases the aesthetic marvel of Iceland’s rivers but also highlights their vital role in sustaining the ecosystem, as they carry essential nutrients from glaciers to the sea.

Behind the tranquil allure of Waider’s photographs lies a tale of dedication and perseverance. While his images exude serenity, Waider’s journey to capture them often entails rigorous planning and arduous expeditions. From scouring satellite imagery to navigating remote terrains and even piloting small planes, Waider’s commitment to his craft is evident in the breathtaking results. As he prepares to embark on a new adventure in Alaska, eager to uncover the glacial landscapes of the Last Frontier, Waider’s evocative imagery serves as an invitation to immerse oneself in the sublime beauty of nature’s grandeur. Follow his exploits on Instagram as he continues to unveil the world’s most captivating vistas, one mesmerizing photograph at a time.

Images of the 2024 total solar eclipse taken from space offer a mesmerizing perspective on this celestial event, revealing the intricate dance between the Sun, Moon, and Earth from above. Captured by satellites like the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-16) and the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), these images showcase the Moon’s shadow as it traverses across North America, casting a dramatic swath of darkness in its wake. The GOES-16’s advanced baseline imager provides a detailed view of the eclipse’s progression, resembling a striking brown-black mass moving in a precise trajectory. Meanwhile, the DSCOVR satellite’s Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) captures the eclipse’s entirety, from its inception over the Pacific Ocean to its culmination on the east coast of Canada, enveloping the continent in a surreal shade.

In addition to satellite imagery, firsthand accounts from astronauts aboard the International Space Station and intrepid individuals like NASA astronaut Jessica Meir offer unique perspectives on the eclipse. From 261 miles above the Earth’s surface, astronauts witness the Moon’s shadow as it engulfs portions of North America, while Meir’s airborne chase aboard a T38 jet provides a dynamic experience of racing alongside the eclipse’s path. These diverse viewpoints, both from space and from the skies, serve to deepen our understanding and appreciation of this awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon.

Jacob Hall’s excursion with his grandfather in coastal Texas led to an extraordinary encounter immortalized through his lens. Amidst the serene beauty of Canada Ranch near Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Hall found himself drawn to a blue heron soaring gracefully in the sky. Little did he know, his seemingly routine snapshots were about to capture a gripping saga of predator and prey. It was only upon reviewing his shots that he realized the unfolding drama— a stealthy bobcat lurking in the foliage, fixated on the unsuspecting heron. In a breathtaking leap, frozen in time by Hall’s camera, the bobcat seized its airborne target with a display of agility that bordered on the surreal. The sequence of images encapsulated a moment of raw, unfiltered nature, where the hunter became the hunted in a heartbeat.

Reflecting on his once-in-a-lifetime photography feat, Hall expressed disbelief and awe at the fortuitous timing that immortalized the intense interaction. His inadvertent documentation of the bobcat’s ambush not only stunned him but also garnered widespread acclaim, including recognition from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. The agency, while acknowledging the visceral impact of such encounters, underscored their ecological significance, portraying them as integral threads in the intricate tapestry of natural balance. Through Hall’s lens, the cycle of life and death unfolded—a poignant reminder of the relentless rhythm of existence where every creature plays its part in the grand symphony of the ecosystem.

The International Space Station (ISS) stands as a testament to human innovation and collaboration, orbiting the Earth for over 25 years as a symbol of our relentless pursuit of knowledge beyond our planetary boundaries. With its panoramic views and unique vantage point, the ISS provides astronauts with unparalleled glimpses of our planet’s beauty, with 16 sunrises and sunsets each day during its swift 92-minute orbit. On the last day of his mission in 2015, retired NASA Commander Terry Virts took advantage of this breathtaking perspective to capture a remarkable image of the ancient Egyptian pyramids.

In the photograph, the pyramids appear both majestic and enigmatic, their scale and solidity emphasized against the surrounding landscape. Virts, a seasoned astronaut with a deep passion for photography, expressed his reluctance to leave the ISS and the unique experiences it offered. Despite his prolific career with NASA and the US Air Force, Virts admitted that the allure of space had captivated him since childhood, fueled by posters of rockets and galaxies on his bedroom walls. His final photographic endeavor from space reflects not only the culmination of a successful career but also the profound connection between human achievement, from the wonders of the ancient world to the contemporary marvel of the ISS. Virts’ sentiment of savoring the experience, with the realization that he had the rest of his life on Earth, encapsulates the essence of an astronaut’s perspective on the profound beauty witnessed from the cosmic vantage point.

Photographer Søren Solkær has embarked on a captivating journey across Europe to document the mesmerizing phenomenon of starling murmurations. Originating from Denmark, Solkær spent several years honing his craft, capturing the intricate formations of these birds in flight. His migration across the continent led him to Ireland, England, the Netherlands, and Italy, each destination offering a unique canvas for photographing the breathtaking spectacle of starling murmurations. The culmination of this extensive project is his upcoming book, “Starling,” a follow-up to the well-received “Black Sun.”

Featuring 138 images, the book delves into the magic and mystery of the birds’ flight patterns, with a new series showcasing Solkær’s passion through detailed photographs of their feathers, captured using light and electron microscopes. Scheduled for release on December 26, “Starling” provides a visual feast for bird enthusiasts and photography connoisseurs alike, offering a unique perspective on the awe-inspiring world of starling murmurations. Simultaneously, Solkær’s photographic journey reaches another pinnacle with his exhibition, “Søren Solkær: Black Sun,” which opened on December 9 at Seattle’s National Nordic Museum.

Marking his first major exhibition in the United States, the showcase will feature over 50 photographs and video art pieces, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the captivating realm of Solkær’s work. Additionally, on December 10, an event will provide an opportunity for the audience to hear the photographer speak about his experiences and insights, adding an enriching dimension to the visual narrative presented in his exhibition.