Lightning from a summer monsoonal thunderstorm strikes in Tucson just as the sun sets. 

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See 15 Photos That Will Remind You to Appreciate the Rain

Take a look at these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest pictures of this precious precipitation

With a sunny “halo” to point the way, a truck climbs into the Brooks Range towards Atigun Pass, heading for Fairbanks after departing the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay.

Alaska

See the Glorious Beauty of Alaska With 15 Images From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

See why the 49th state is a No. 1 destination

Penguins are attentive parents, with both males and females sharing the work. Here, displaying a common practice, each partner faces the other with a bowed head.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 15 Adorable Photos of Playful, Picture-Perfect Penguins

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show just why penguins have waddled into our hearts

Whether you “win” or “lose” a snowball fight, you’re probably walking away with a frosty face full of flakes.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Walk Through a Wintry Wonderland of Seasonal Fun With These 15 Photos

Get into the winter spirit with these images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

A horse at the Minnesota State Fair receives attention and affection from visitors.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

These 15 Majestic Photos Show Just Why Humans Adore Horses

To commemorate the National Day of the Horse, see herds of equine images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Boats, lights and fog help create a serene nighttime scene in Rio de Janeiro.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Bask in the Beauty of Brazil With These 15 Stunning Photographs

These selections from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest images capture this South American paradise

Luckily for tourists and passers-by, this longtime Times Square performer is not as naked as his underwear suggests.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Take a Virtual Tour of New York City With These 15 Photos

Get a slice of the Big Apple with shots of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park and more from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Rosy cheeks and warm garments are reasons to smile for this mother-daughter duo.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Celebrate Moms This Sunday and Every Day With Moving Photos of Motherhood

This Mother’s Day, these shots from around the world remind us why they’re so special

Built in 1917-1919, the St. Charles Air Line Bridge is one of the oldest in Chicago and has been designated a city landmark. It’s still in use for freight and cargo trains, and it lifts for boats and ships passing underneath.

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Marvel at These Bold, Beautiful Bridges

See 15 superbly suspended structures from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

A reveler enjoys a playful and colorful water war in the streets of Jodhpur during the Holi festival.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Celebrate Holi With These 15 Vibrant Photos

Observed around the world, the Hindu Festival of Colors welcomes spring

Captured mid-hop, the floppy feet of a white hare were indeed good luck for this photographer.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Celebrate Winter in the Wild With 15 Photos of Animals Enjoying the Snow

These chilly but cute creatures will remind you what’s so wonderful about winter

A service member carries a flag and leads his comrades at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as they march in remembrance of 9/11 victims. More than 40 veterans died in the attacks.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Celebrate Veterans Day With These 15 Patriotic Photos

Communities nationwide honor our retired service members every November

A mountain gorilla seemingly enjoys a moment of solitude in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, surrounded by orange, yellow and green leaves.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

Celebrate World Gorilla Day With 15 Primate Pictures

These highlights from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest feature our close “cousins”

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These Are the Winners of Smithsonian Magazine’s 19th Annual Photo Contest

From the beauty of bodies in motion to the symbiotic behaviors of insects, these photographers captured fascinating moments in time

Photo Contest

Announcing Our 11th Annual Photo Contest Winners

See our winners and finalists, selected from over 50,000 entries

2012 Smithsonian Photo Contest Grand Prize Winner

Smithsonian.com’s 2014 Photo Contest Is Now Closed

The finalists have been announced, and the 13th Annual Photo Contest is right around the corner

Fall Foliage on Cuejdel Lake, Neamt, Romania

Best Autumn Photographs from the Last Ten Years of Photo Contests

As the weather grows colder, leaves burst into color around the northern hemisphere