#natural-phenomena

#natural-phenomena

Earthquakes, volcanic eruption, eclipses, meteor showers, and many other natural phenomena have always been part of life on Earth. In ancient cultures that predated science, such events were often memorialized in myths and legends. There is a growing body of research that strives to connect those ancient stories with the real natural events that inspired them. Folklorist and historian Adrienne Mayor has put together a fascinating short compendium of such insights with Mythopedia: A Brief Compendium of Natural History Lore,

Everyone loves an optical illusion - even if they leave us completely stumped - and they're all around us in the natural world. From an underwater waterfall in the Indian Ocean to a surrealist scene in Namibia, we rounded up 18 naturally occurring illusions and optical phenomena that will make you double-take. If you can't fathom how these places are real, there's good news: Some of the locations named on this list are accessible to visitors,

The Northern Lights are a popular bucket list activity for many, but nature puts on another light show in a tiny Texas border town that once caught the attention of Hollywood heartthrob James Dean. Marfa, a desert city that sits between Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas, has become a niche tourist attraction for those looking to see mysterious, unexplained orbs in the sky.

Kilauea volcano is expected to erupt again as it one of the most active volcanoes worldwide. This will mark the 31st eruption since December.

Blood Falls pours crimson from the Taylor Glacier, leaving a striking red streak on the snow as it flows into Lake Bonney, creating a haunting visual.

This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre transforms from a desolate salt pan into a vibrant lake every few years, attracting wildlife, travelers, and breathtaking pink waters.

According to SciAm's April 1925 article on the subject, the weather was pristine for eclipse viewing. The article details some eerie visual effects seen during the eclipse.

"The natural light display, also known as aurora borealis, makes the night's sky glow a magical mix of red, green, purple and pink."