Lightning is a beautiful display of nature's power, reaching from the sky to the ground. Only sometimes there are some things in between the sky and the ground... Thanks to modern safety features no major harm is done to anything or anyone, but we do get some great sights thanks to these rare occasions. These beautiful pictures capture that amazing split second where lightning hits some of the best known landmarks in the world: The Vatican |
In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world by stepping down from his position, becoming the first Pope to resign in over 600 years. Just a few hours later, a massive lightning bolt struck the basilica of St.Peter's dome. The Bay Bridge - San Francisco |
Big metal structures often get hit by lightning, but in this pictures from 2012, the Bay Bridge in being struck by eight bolts at once!
|
Washington Monument – Washington D.C |
It is a little known fact that the massive monument was fitted with an aluminum cap and copper lightning rods during the 1800's. They were placed to protect the giant structure from strikes like this one in 2013. Statue of Liberty – New York |
These lightning strikes make Lady Liberty look absolutely stunning! The Grand Canyon – Arizona |
Even the deserts of Arizona sometimes have stormy weather that can humble even the majestic beauty of the canyon. Empire State Building - New York |
This gigantic lighning bolt from 2002 makes even the mighty building look like a tiny tooth-pick. Burj Khalifa, Dubai |
When you are building the tallest building in the world your practicality begging for lightning strikes… Icelandic Volcano |
In 2010 the Icelandic Volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted and caused an ash storm that grounded nearly all the planes in Europe. A side effect of that storm was this massive bolt aimed right at the top of the mountain. Mount Rushmore - South Dakota |
Poor George just got a really bad headache…. Brooklyn Bridge - New York |
2008 Was not a good year to be a bridge. Space Needle - Seattle |
"Yes, let's build a giant needle pointed at the sky! What could possibly go wrong?" London Tower Bridge – England |
London Bridge isn’t falling down, it's just getting electrocuted. St. Louis Arch – Missouri |
In 2013 a baseball game between the Cardinals and the Royals was delayed mid-way through the game for four hours due to rain. The game ended at 3AM and this was probably the most exciting part of it. Christ the Redeemer Statue - Rio de Janeiro |
No words are needed to describe this picture, its beautiful just the way it is. |
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
A Photographer's Dream: Photos of Lauterbrunnental Valley
A Photo Series of Lauterbrunnental Valley in Switzerland as well as a video by the photographer.
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
The Amazing Big Blue Captured by Photo Contest Winners
These stunning photos will leave you in awe of the stunning beauty of the deep big blue.
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
21 Jaw-Dropping Optical Illusions That Make Your Head Spin
The optical illusions will try to confuse your brain, so much so that you will think these photos are edited. But don’t be deceived...
Glimpse the Glamor Aboard These Luxurious Old Cruise Ships
There was a time not so long ago when traveling by sea was the height of sophisticated luxury. These rare historical photos will show you just how it was.
5 Mind-Boggling Japanese Gadgets
In this video, a design expert will attempt to improve five strange Japanese gadgets...
These Photos Show the Hustle and Bustle of a WWII Shipyard
Old photos from the war remind us of the effort undertaken by our forefathers to secure our future. Take a look at the hustle and bustle of a wartime shipyard.
Rare Photos From Decades Gone By Show What Life Was Like
Take a look at a collection of rarely seen photos from decades gone by. These photo show how far mankind has progressed.
Up Close and Personal With Nature: 17 Award-Winning Photos
Here are some of the amazing winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2023 awards.
This Unique Dune House is Like a Hobbit Home, But Better
This astonishing and unique Florida home built into a sand dune facing the beach is sure to impress you!
These Stunning Bridges Are Definitely Worth a Visit
There is no doubt that bridges add a special flair to their locations. Here are 10 of the world's most beautiful bridges!
View the Winning Photographs From the Siena Photo Awards
The Siena International Photo Awards is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies anywhere in the world. View the incredible winning entries here.
These Images Are Among the Most Powerful Ever Seen
Images can provoke great thought and institute great changes through their power, and these 10 are no exception. Take a look at these powerful images.
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
These Pictures Look Like They Were Taken In Another World
The pictures you're about to see appear as if they were taken on another planet. Enjoy these 23 amazing extraterrestrial-looking pictures.
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
These Photos Show What People Had to Bear in the Wild West
These photos illustrate what life in the Wild West was like.
These Old Photos Showcase Some Major Changes in Ireland
The last few decades of the 19th century and the first few of the 20th were periods of major change for Ireland. These photos capture that wonderfully.
These People Undoubtedly Have Talent by the Boatload
There's so much talent in the world that it's occasionally hard to fathom. Nevertheless, here are 20 photos that show just how talented people really are.
15 of the Weirdest and Most Wonderful Images Ever Seen
There are some photographs that help tell the most astonishing stories you've ever heard. Here are 15.
18 Things About the Eiffel Tower You Never Knew
The Eiffel Tower is perhaps the best known and loved building in the world. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of wild stories about it. Here are some...
14 Unforgettable Marine Photos From 2022
Peek into this mysterious and unknown marine world through these award-winning photos!
Telosa: 400-Billion Dollar City Built in the US Desert
What's up with this trend of building cities in the middle of nowhere?
Can You Find the Women in These Landscape Photos?
At a glimpse, these photographs look like beautiful shots of nature, but if you look closer you will spot beautiful women blended into the scenery.
15 Photos of 19th-Century Celebs Alongside Their Portraits
These vintage photos offer a unique look at what 19th-century celebrities looked like when compared to their painted portraits.
15 Photographs Showcasing Architecture Like Never Before
Here is a look at some of the best photographs of building art from all over the world that will make you appreciate their beauty.
See Just How Much Women's Fashion Changed In 200 Years
Fashion changes all the time, but how much it does change is even more remarkable when viewed from the perspective of centuries. Take a look.
Welcome to Elk Rock Residence, a Retro Luxury Tree House
This house was built entirely by high school dropouts, who all found a second chance for a successful life and career.
These Photos Well Deserve to Be Called "Best of the Year"
The National Geographic has been sharing brilliant photography with the world for years, and 2016 has certainly been no exception. Take a look at some here!
This Guy Knows How to Build the Best Secret Base
This man of the jungle builds from the ground up a beautiful small space reinforced with bamboo, making use of items found in the wild only, and using everything he can.
Some Photos Are Worth Much More Than Words
Amazing photos of fantastic moments in time, captured for posterity. They don't need descriptions, they just are.
These Are the Greatest Historic Homes Found in the US
These historic homes are the most important in the United States. See pictures of a historic home in each US state, and find out more about them.
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
14 Unique and Unconventional Urban Designs That Inspire
Let’s check out some truly amazing examples of smart urban planning designs that every city in the world should take inspiration from.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of the 1970s
Time for some good old ‘70s nostalgia…
Learn About Photography's History Through These Old Photos
In celebration of the incredible history of photography, here are 12 outstanding photographic 'firsts' that span the last couple of centuries.
Check Out 20 of the Strangest Buildings Ever Constructed
If you love exploring the architecture of the world, then you're in for a real treat, since this post explores the world's weirdest buildings...
These Amazing Artworks Defy All Logic and It’s Beautiful
Zulkarnain Ismail is a Malaysian digital artist whose artworks are on the verge of realistic photography and fantasy, check out 15 of his best works.
The Art of Timing Photos is Mesmerizing! #9's My Favorite
A moment or two later and these photos would be ordinary photos instead of works of arts.
These Photos Will Take Your Breath Away!
A selection of stunning photos taken from the 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition!
120 Years of the Most Popular Wedding Dresses...
If we look at the last 120-150 years of wedding dress styles, what would we see?
10 Medieval Walled Cities that Are a Wonder to Visit!
There's something spectacular about beholding a medieval walled city. You're instantly transported back in time. Take a look at the world's 10 best.
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.