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. |
This National Geographic Contest Winners are Spectacular
National Geographic is synonymous with outstanding photography, and its awards are no exception. Take a look at the best National Geographic photos of 2018.
16 Gorgeous Sights in Georgia Everyone Should See
Here are 16 sights that prove how beautiful Georgian nature is, and anyone thinking of visiting should definitely keep these in mind.
These Award-Winning Photos Are Simply Unforgettable
The Siena International Photos Awards are a really big deal - no less than 48,000 submissions were submitted this year! Here are 20 of the very best.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
These Photos Capture the Weirdness and Beauty of Japan
Japan has an abundance of beauty and weirdness all at the same time, and photographer Shin Noguchi is dedicated to capturing it. Take a look.
Take a Tour of Seven Gorgeous UK Sites You Must Visit...
7 sites of natural beauty to visit in the United Kingdom. You do not want to miss these!
Discover How Some Really Famous Images Were Staged
The images you're about to see are some of the most famous from the 19th and 20th centuries, but they're all fake! Here they are.
These Photographers Got Their Timing Absolutely Spot On!
These perfectly timed photographs are proof that you don’t need to be a professional photographer to take awesome pictures.
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
These Buildings Are Marvels of Human Creation!
Skyscrapers are the wonders of man-made construction technology and in the following article, you'll see 11 stunning buildings that will truly astonish you.
These 18 Amazing City Squares Look Fit for the Gods
When I think of great cities, and wonder what makes them so beautiful, it seems so obvious: it is their amazing piazas, or squares. These are the 18 best!
10 Show-Stopping Photos of the Sunbirds of South Africa
Admire the magnificent, regal beauty of South African sunbirds in 10 stunning photos in this article
14 Amazing Before-And-After Pics of Our Changing World
These before-and-after pictures show how just how much time changes everything.
Time Stood Still for These 21 Stunning Photographs
Time is a series of present moments that elapse and leave us with beautiful memories, so here are 21 such photographed moments never to be forgotten.
14 Examples of Stunning Infrastructure That Inspire Awe
Enjoy this collection of pictures of incredible engineering marvels from the world over.
Behold the Majestically Built Castles of Old France!
The beautiful castles of old France take me back to a different time...
Australian Wildlife is Extreme. Birds Are No Exception
No other country has astounding wildlife quite like Australia. You can be sure their birds aren't any different!
Nature Used All Possible Colors to Create These Animals
Nature is filled with beautiful animals, plants and insects, with magnificent colors and shapes. The dazzling colors of these animals can only be found in nature, see for yourself in the photos below.
Throwback to the 1920s: 17 Fascinating Vintage Pics
Take a step back in time and explore a collection of stunning photos from a century ago that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Wow! These Beautiful Travel Photos Are out of This World!
Some of the photos from National Geographic's 2017 Travel Photographer of the Year Competition. These are absolutely stunning!
Why Is India Against Building Skyscrapers?
his video reveals the rule that is keeping India from building more high-rise buildings. Find out what it is.
19 Fairy Tale Structures You Can Find in Norway
Norway is one of the more unique countries in Europe, possessing views that rival the best fantasy books out there...
14 Vivid Portraits of Gorgeous Rare Birds
This photographer traveled the globe in the search of the rarest and most gorgeous birds, and here are 14 of his best avian portraits...
15 Mind-Bending Photos That Seem Fake but are 100% Real
It’s hard to believe these astonishing pictures haven’t been photoshopped.
20 Cool X-Rays of People, Animals & Objects Explained
Seeing how various animals, objects, and even human body parts look in an X-ray scan reveals many fascinating hidden details about them!
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
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.
20 Photos That Celebrate the Spectacular Colors of our World
The right color palette can turn a regular photo into a work of art. This post contains 20 photos that showcase colorful places around the world.
25 Photos That Tell an Amazing Story
Extraordinary photos from recent years who have really made an impact on all who see them.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice!!
Photography is a medium that allows magic to happen, with spontaneity often producing far more interesting results. View these photos timed to perfection.
Taj Falaknuma Palace: The Most Opulent Oriental Beauty
Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the most fabulous gems in all of India, with plenty of fascinating stories to tell from the age of the British Empire.
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
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!
In Pictures - Black & White Photography Awards 2023!
Check out the astonishing winning images from the 2023 Black & White Photo Contest.
This Magical Town is the Most Beautiful Place in China
In the south of China, a small, peaceful and picturesque town lies on a fertile cliff from which several waterfalls flow in perfect harmony.
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
These Japanese Truck Gardens Are Absolutely Stunning!
Every year, landscapers from across Japan create amazing and whimsical gardens in their trucks to see who can claim to be the best mobile landscaper.
History Doesn't Forget: Rare Historic Photos!
Here, the past is still alive and kicking, and for a few moments, we are back in those momentous time and events that shook the world not that long ago...
15 Rare Photos That'll Change the Way You See the World!
These photos spread light on our surroundings, reminding us that even simple things can be extraordinary. Take a look!
16 Historical Pictures That’ll Bring Back Memories…
"It is a mistake to think that the past is dead," said Will Durant, and these 16 pictures prove him right...
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
7 Changes to Our Home That Help Fight Depression
The 7 tips provided here will guide you or your loved ones through the changes that will render your house more inviting and assist in managing depression.
16 Pics That Reveal the Rarely-Seen Side of Things
These pictures show us the rarely seen side of things that might surprise you.
16 Pictures That Will Make You See the World Differently...
Thanks to the following series of images, your point of view about different things is going to change. Just take a look for yourself!
Welcome to the Most Beautiful Library in the World
I would give a lot to be able to spend a few hours in this amazing place.
When Celebrities Met Their Younger Selves (20 Pics)
Enjoy this fun collection of pictures where famous celebs hang out with their younger selves.
21 Historical Pics That Open a Visceral Window to the Past
Old photographs have a special value to them - they allow us to take a glimpse into the past and experience what life was like long before we came into being.