5+ hour, 7+ min ago (684+ words) Just outside Phoenix lies a desert paradise of rugged mountains, scenic trails, and starlit campgrounds where Arizona's natural beauty shines. Islands and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Arizona's stunning landscape gets its well-deserved reputation from a pantheon of out-of-this-world natural wonders, like the "needs no introduction" Grand Canyon and the marvelous red rocks (and possible spiritual vortexes) around Sedona. However, Arizona's natural beauty is so ingrained that you can find exceptional scenery at even smaller and less attention-grabbing destinations. The modest Dankworth Pond State Park is a surprisingly rich wetland ecosystem and top birdwatching spot, to give just one example. Immediately outside of Phoenix, the underrated Usery Mountain Regional Park is a spectacular complex of desert and mountain that wouldn't look out of place in a well-traveled national park....

3+ day, 16+ hour ago (482+ words) This historic hotel in the Ponderosa forest offers terrific rooms, as well as some calm within the proverbial storm of Grand Canyon tourism. Islands and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. When you make the decision to visit one of the world's most fascinating geological formations, there are a couple of factors you'll want to consider: your ideal time to visit and which rim of the Grand Canyon you would prefer to hike while you're there. Many people think the best way to experience the Grand Canyon is by staying there overnight, so they opt for the South Rim since there are more places to stay. While the North Rim only has 219 lodging units, the South Rim has 908-- and 280 of the latter are inside the Maswik Lodge, the top place…...

3+ day, 23+ hour ago (409+ words) The northern lights may appear on Wednesday and Thursday night, with NOAA predicting a Kp index of four and minor geomagnetic storm activity 10 states along the northern parts of the U.S have the best chance of catching a glimpse of the colorful auroras Experts say to head somewhere dark with a clear north-facing view, and use your phone's night or pro mode to capture the lights if they appear The northern lights are making yet another cameo just in time for the holidays!With a fresh wave of solar wind shaking up Earth's magnetic field, the sky is gearing up for another cosmic performance, just as everyone settles in for travel, turkey and holiday chaos. The aurora borealis (northern lights) is caused by geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating…...

4+ day, 18+ hour ago (407+ words) With over 4 miles and seven stories full of unique rock formations and water streams, this underground cavern is one of the largest cave systems in Missouri. Missouri is likely not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of underground geological formations. However, the Show Me State lives up to its nickname. Under the great plains and rolling hills of this Midwestern state lies quite an adventurous landscape. Meramec Caverns, near Stanton, is almost literally a hidden gem. At just 65 miles from St. Louis, this amazing cave system is one of the largest in Missouri, and is among the best stops to make on your trip along Route 66. The naturally cool 60-degree temperatures inside the cave network make it even more worthwhile during Missouri's hot summers and cold winters. Despite a fairly narrow surface appearance, the Meramec River was…...

6+ day, 19+ hour ago (585+ words) For the world's most truly extravagant yachts, features like private movie theaters, indoor swimming pools, art galleries, grand pianos, fitness rooms, putting greens, and tennis courts are just par for the course. Get ready to dive into the ultimate luxury (and obsess over getting a'yacht charter for your next vacation) as we take an inside look at the world's largest, most luxurious superyachts. With its sleek, deep midnight-blue and silver exterior designed by Espen "ino International and an opulent, warm-oak interior by Zuretti Design brought to life by L'rssen, a German shipbuilder dating back to 1875, Luminance is a case study in classic elegance. Luminance was created for Ukraine's wealthiest billionaire, Rinat Akhmetov, who took ownership in 2024. The living quarters of the yacht also feature a world of wonders: Think an indoor pool with panoramic views, four aquariums, and a botanical…...

6+ day, 22+ hour ago (184+ words) Timelapse footage captured a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at the Taal Volcano in the Philippines on Sunday, November 23, which sent plumes of smoke 750 meters (2460 ft) up in the air from the main crater.A phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when magma interacts with water, producing tephra and steam.An Alert Level 1 remains active over the Taal volcano, indicating abnormal activity but no imminent eruption, according to local news reports.The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) released the footage on Sunday. Credit: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology via Storyful Timelapse footage captured a minor phreatomagmatic eruption at the Taal Volcano in the Philippines on Sunday, November 23, which sent plumes of smoke 750 meters (2460 ft) up in the air from the main crater. A phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when magma interacts with water, producing tephra and steam. An Alert Level 1 remains active over the…...

1+ week, 21+ hour ago (779+ words) Nations sealed a modest agreement at the UN climate summit in the Brazilian Amazon on Saturday as many countries swallowed weaker terms on a fossil fuel phaseout to preserve unity. Nearly 200 countries approved the deal by consensus after two weeks of exhaustive negotiations on the fringes of the rainforest, with the notable absence of the United States as President Donald Trump shunned the talks. Applause rang out as the gavel was brought down in steamy Belem, capping a dramatic summit that witnessed raucous protests, a damaging fire and massive street marches. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who staked political capital on the success of COP30, said the pact was proof that a fractured world could still unite in crisis. "The international community faced a choice: to continue or to give up. We chose the first option," Lula said in…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (1284+ words) Volcanoes, with their sheer power and captivating beauty, have mesmerized the human imagination for centuries. These geological gems offer a glimpse into our planet's fiery core, revealing the dynamic and explosive forces that shape our planet. From smoldering craters to dramatic eruptions, volcanoes demonstrate the Earth's ever-changing landscape. While the mention of volcanoes might evoke images of destruction and danger, many volcanic regions are safe to visit and offer breathtaking views, unique geological formations, and opportunities for adventure. In fact, some of the world's most stunning landscapes have been formed by volcanic activity, resulting in a diverse range of natural wonders that appeal to explorers and nature enthusiasts. Here is a list of 15 volcanoes that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. These volcanic destinations offer a combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and thrilling experiences that will leave…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (615+ words) Negotiators were divided Friday on the last day of fire-delayed UN climate talks, as Europe rejected COP30 host Brazil's latest draft agreement which lacks a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels. At stake is nothing less than proving that international cooperation can still function in a fractured world -- and delivering a text that nudges the planet back toward the critical 1.5C long-term warming target, despite the absence of President Donald Trump's United States. But after two weeks of negotiations in the Amazonian city of Belem, the draft text unveiled by Brazil on Friday had no mention of "fossil fuels" or the word "roadmap" that President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had himself suggested weeks ago. "This is in no way close to the ambition we need on mitigation. We are disappointed with the text currently on the table," European Union climate commissioner…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (99+ words) Broward County has begun a sand bypass project to fight decades of erosion south of Port Everglades. The system traps sand with a dredged underwater bowl, later moving it to restore nearby beaches. Broward County has begun a sand bypass project to fight decades of erosion south of Port Everglades. The system traps sand with a dredged underwater bowl, later moving it to restore nearby beaches. Broward County has begun a sand bypass project to fight decades of erosion south of Port Everglades. The system traps sand with a dredged underwater bowl, later moving it to restore nearby beaches....