The world is full of hidden wonders, and sometimes, the most extraordinary things are the ones we can't see with the naked eye. For 50 years, Nikon's Small World competition has been shining a light on the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. It's where cutting-edge science and captivating artistry collide, revealing breathtaking images captured through the lens of a light microscope.
Related: Micro-Color: The Colorful Life of Little Critters!
This year, over 2,100 entries poured in from across the globe, showcasing the incredible talent of scientists and hobbyists alike. Each image was carefully judged by a panel of experts, taking into consideration its originality, its informational value, its technical skill, and its visual impact. Scroll down for 15 of the best entries from the 2024 competition.

Cross section of European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) leaf.
Tiny Mice Get Dream Home Thanks to Kind-Hearted Artist
Wildlife photographer Simon Dell has built an entire village for mouse he saw in his garden.
Nikon Finally Presented the BEST Macro Photos of 2020
We present the 20 best shots of this year’s Nikon Small World Contest that reveal the microscopic world from new and surprising angles!
Quiz Challenge: Can You Find the Difference?
Each question will present you with a group of four pictures, will you be able to find all the odd ones out and get a perfect score?
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Science Lesson: Can We Keep Zooming In... Forever?
This is your gateway into the fascinating world of atomic-scale imaging.
16 EERIE Close-Ups of Bugs Under a Microscope
Take a look at these terrifying close-ups of insect faces.
These Teeny Tiny Critters Will Melt Your Heart
Enjoy these excruciatingly adorable pics of teeny tiny animals.
These 25 Amazing Archaeological Discoveries Beggar Belief!
Archaeology has unlocked so many secrets from history that no one understood - and these are the 25 most amazing of all.
These 14 Microscopical Images Reveal a Whole New World
These 14 images prove that taking a closer look can make the world look incredibly richer and more beautiful. We just need some microscopy to appreciate it.
These Hilarious Pics Prove That Mankind is Probably Doomed
There's more evidence of mankind being doomed than the alarmist media reports on your TV! Take a look at these 20 hilarious photos.
16 Pics That Prove Reality Can Be Stranger Than Fiction
These moments seem almost made up, but truly aren't!
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...
Historic USA: The Earliest Photo from Every State
The American Library of Congress has put together what it believes to be some of the earliest photos from each US state. Take a look.
Stunning Drone Photography of Temples Across Asia
Talented photographer Eleonora Costi traveled through 7 Asian countries and captured stunning shots of the most unique looking temples
23 Famous Figures Photographed With Their Beloved Cats
Seeing these 23 famous figures of the 19th and 20th centuries photographed with their spoiled and beloved cats is so heartwarming!
These Pictures Will Put the Awe of the Universe in You
The winners of the Astronomy Photography competition capture the majestic beauty of our skies and what lies beyond them.
These Two Churches Are Among The World's Most Beautiful
The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, is home to two of the most ornately decorated churches in the world. Take a look at their spectacular interiors here.
This Cool Photo Contest Shows Nature In a Brand New Light
For the third year in a row, the Close-Up Photographer of the Year contest shows us the natural world from a brand new, incredibly intimate perspective.
These Photos Will Make You Look Twice... Then Three Times!
These photos all require a second and third look to understand.
15 Photos You'll Need to Look Twice At to Believe!
Take a look at these pictures, then a second, then a third, because just one isn't enough to figure out whats going on in them!
20 Unforgettable Indian Wildlife Photos Worth Seeing
Admire the rich diversity of wildlife in India in 20 supreme photos of mammals and birds native to different regions of the country
Step into These Charming Vintage Kitchens (15 Pics)
We’ve fallen in love with these retro kitchen designs.
Relive the 1940s Through These Fascinating Photos
These vivid photos will transport you to a bygone era - the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. Absolutely fascinating!
Travel to the Mesmerizing Salt Fields of France
Fly over the bright pink salt fields of France with 14 mesmerizing images!
We Bet You Never Knew These Items Were Invented by Women!
Here are 12 great inventions that we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for ground-breaking women.
What Were They Thinking When They Put Up These Buildings!?
There are always buildings that people wish were never constructed, and the 50 you're about to see in this post are no exception. Here they are!
The Name of the Game is... Camouflage!
These confusing pictures will challenge your vision and your mind!
RARE: Early Photos of the World’s Most Iconic Landmarks
Marvel at the oldest known photos of some of the world's most historic places.
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This is How the World's Very First Subway Was Built!
Ever wondered how the world's very first subway system was built? This TED-Ed video reveals all!
Japanese Artist Lito Creates Magical Leaf Art (18 Pics)
Japanese artist Lito elevates the art of leaf carving with his unbelievably intricate designs.
12 Glorious Views of the Ancient Forest of Madeira
Madeira’s Laurel forest is as ancient as it is breathtaking. Witness the beauty of the primeval forest and learn more about its history here...
The MOST Impressive Photos of Morocco We’ve Ever Seen!
Take a couch trip through Morocco by admiring 15 magnificent photos of the country & learning about some of its most famous tourist locations
Feast Your Eyes on 10 of the World's Most Amazing Palaces
From Asia to Europe, here are 10 majestic palaces that will captive you with their architectural styles.
20 Magical Pics Capturing the Charm of Childhood
Photographer Iwona Podlasinska takes cozy and magical photos to depict the charm of childhood.
15 Fascinating Photos That Bring 1930s China to Life
These rare photos unveil some hidden stories from 1930s China.
These Amazing Nature Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
The winners from Nat Geo's 2017 Photography Competition have been announced and they will amaze you!
The Art of Sand: 15 Breathtaking Sculptures
Check out these stunning sand creations by Janel Hawkins.
These Vintage Olympic Photos are PURE GOLD
These vintage photos show just how much the Olympics have changed.
20 Pictures that Show How the World Changed over 100 Years
A gallery of bizarre, nostalgic or unique black and white pictures
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...
These Sand Sculptures Seem Too Real to Exist! (15 Pics)
Leonardo Ugolini's astonishing sand creations will leave you agape!
15 Photos That are Worth Much More Than A Thousand Words
Sometimes, as the following 15 fantastic photos prove, a picture is worth a lot more than a thousand words. Take a look and we're sure you'll agree!
15 Captivating Celebrity Pics from a Bygone Time
These vintage snaps of celebrities back in the day will make you feel nostalgic.
In Pictures – Smithsonian Magazine’s Award Winners
Check out the outstanding nature and drone winners from Smithsonian Magazine’s Awards.
These Planetary Storm Photos Will Blow You Away
These planetary storm photos will blow you away.
16 Vintage Photos That Bring the Victorian Age to Life
These 16 images take us back to that complex Victorian period.
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WATCH: The Inner Workings of London's Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock tower, having stood in Westminster, London for over 150 years Watch this video to see how it works.
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
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