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

Blue jeans poison dart frogs cannot be handled since their skin—not made of denim—is extremely toxic.  

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See Fantastic Frogs in 15 Fun Photographs

Hop through these images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Completed in 2011, the Stuttgart City Library is one of the country’s most photographed locations.

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Discover These 15 Enchanting Libraries Sure to Thrill Any Book Lover

Wall-to-wall books tell an interior design story without saying a word

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Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 60 Remarkable Finalists From the 22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

From stunning landscapes to captivating portraits, the photographs showcase the diverse beauty of the world around us. Vote for your favorite, too, for the Readers’ Choice competition

Gelada monkeys are known for long, flowing manes that continue down their backs.

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See Magnificent Monkeys From Around the World in These Shots From the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

You don’t have to swing from treetops to get a close-up look at these curious creatures

An iconic landmark and symbol of New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge has been featured in so many films and TV shows, it should be eligible for an Oscar and an Emmy.

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These 15 Photos Capture What Makes America’s National Historic Landmarks So Iconic

See images of special attractions across the country from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

The Hollywood sign, an American landmark and cultural icon, overlooks the area and has inspired many to make their showbiz dreams a reality.  

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15 Dazzling Photos That Celebrate the Sights (and Sites) of Los Angeles

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show what makes the City of Angels and its next-door neighborhoods so heavenly

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

With their eyes nearly front and center, owls don’t benefit much from peripheral vision, but their heads can rotate 135 degrees in any direction, giving them a great field of view.

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See 15 Stunning Photos of Superb Owls to Kick Off This Year’s Super Bowl Weekend

These snapshots of the majestic bird in flight and in trees will leave your soul soaring

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.

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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

A hiker soaks up the scenery as the sun sets in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park in Sydney.

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Take a Journey Down Under With These Amazing Photos of Australia

From the outback to the coasts, see 15 images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

The snow-capped Rockies glow bright white in the snow.

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See the Splendor of the Majestic Rocky Mountains

View 15 awe-inspiring images of this range from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

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

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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 young girl puckers up to plant a kiss on a plastic Santa.  

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Ho, Ho, Ho! 15 Festive Photos of Santa Claus to Get You Into the Christmas Spirit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and ol’ St. Nick is spreading holiday cheer for all to hear

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

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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

An annual event for more than 50 years, the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival has grown to become the largest in the United States.

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Brighten Your Day With These 15 Photos of Beautiful Balloons From Around the World

Lift your spirits with these airy images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

Reykjavik Domestic Airport is located just a mile from the city center, so when planes fly in and out, passengers get a close view of buildings below. 

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Take Flight With These 15 Awe-Inspiring Aviation Images

See airplanes of all sizes, shapes and colors from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest

At dawn, a woman and her dog walk along a serene shore in the Corona Del Mar area of Newport Beach as gentle waves greet them.

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 15 Stunning Photos of California That Showcase the Golden State’s Majestic Beauty

California offers lovely beaches, forests, deserts, mountains and more!

A polar bear mother and her clingy, but cute, cubs are photographed along the Hudson Bay.

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Celebrate the Beloved Yet Threatened Polar Bear With These 15 Photos

These amazing images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show the Arctic animals at their fierce but adorable best

A couple visits a cemetery during Day of the Dead, against the backdrop of storm clouds.

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Celebrate Day of the Dead With These 15 Scenes of Festivities and Remembrance

These images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest show how communities in Mexico and beyond mark Día de los Muertos.

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