SPECIAL EDITION: The best stories and photos of 2023

Ripples in the fabric of space-time. A lost Maya city. An extraordinary quest to "cure" aging.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌    ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  

 

OUR PICTURES OF THE YEAR VIEW ONLINE

OUR PICTURES OF THE YEAR

THE MOST FASCINATING STORIES AND PHOTOS OF THE YEAR

Ripples in the fabric of space-time. A lost Maya city. An extraordinary quest to "cure" aging. From stunning discoveries to life-altering breakthroughs, these are the stories—and photos— that shaped our 2023.

ILLUSTRATION BY MARK GARLICK, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY The 11 most astonishing scientific discoveries It was a huge year for science. Researchers discovered new exoplanets, used brain decoders to translate human thoughts, analyzed ancient whale bones, and learned that the T. rex had ... lips? SEE THE FASCINATING ACHIEVEMENTS

COURTESY OF MINISTERO DELLA CULTURA 7 of the most exciting archaeological breakthroughs From a lost Maya city to a new Easter Island head, these were the most thrilling historical finds this year. WHAT DID WE UNEARTH? PHOTOGRAPH BY BRIAN SKERRY Why the internet wanted nature to 'fight back' in 2023 Orcas sinking yachts. Javelinas destroying golf courses. We cheered on the animals that rebelled against humans—but why? WERE YOU ON TEAM ORCA?

ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL WINDING ET AL., 2023 7 medical breakthroughs that gave us hope From gene therapy to Alzheimer’s treatment, predicting pancreatic cancer to pioneering reproduction methods, there were many promising discoveries this year that will influence health and medicine. WHY 2023 WAS GROUNDBREAKING THE YEAR FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: There were signs for alarm—but also many reasons to be encouraged—for the planet. +

2023: THE PICTURES OF THE YEAR

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALEXANDER SEMENOV This year we sent 126 photographers into the field to document the world. They sent back more than 2 million images. Here is a selection of their best work: the pictures that that captivated, inspired, and taught us more about our world this year. SEE THE TOP 32 PHOTOS

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMI VITALE Nat Geo's most compelling images of the 21st century (so far) Our photo editors chose one extraordinary image that captures the most important stories from every year of this era. WHAT DID WE CHOOSE FOR 2023? PHOTOGRAPH BY RALPH PACE See our most remarkable wildlife and animal photos from 2023 A tender moment between mountain hares. Chickens strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Orcas on the hunt. These are our favorite animal pictures of the year. CHECK OUT THE 18 BEST IMAGES

STORIES ABOUT US

PHOTOGRAPH BY MELANIE WENGER Can aging be cured? Scientists are going to try New cutting-edge technology has sparked more research into drugs that could slow aging—or even reverse it. THE RACE TO STOP AGING IN HUMANS PHOTOGRAPH BY ARTUR WIDAK, NURPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES Alcohol is killing more women than ever before As the gender gap in drinking narrows, alcohol-related complications in women are rising. DIFFERENT BODIES, STRONGER EFFECTS

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Colon cancer is rising among young adults. Here are signs to watch for. Genetics, the microbiome, and low screening rates may be factors in the increase, experts say. DON'T DISMISS THESE TROUBLESOME SYMPTOMS CAROLYN VAN HOUTEN, THE WASHINGTON POST/GETTY IMAGES What causes long COVID? The answer might be in your gut Remnants of the virus in the gut cause chronic inflammation—which may disrupt communication with the brain. COULD ANTIDEPRESSANTS HELP?

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024

PHOTOGRAPH BY BEN HORTON, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION 9 spectacular night sky events to get excited for next year Stargazers have a lot to look forward to in 2024. Even casual sky-watchers won't want to miss these phenomena—including prime-condition meteor showers and a total solar eclipse. START CIRCLING YOUR CALENDARS 2024 MAY BRING THE BEST AURORAS IN 20 YEARS: Here's how to see the northern lights during the "solar maximum." +

PHOTOGRAPH BY SYLVAIN SONNET, GETTY IMAGES The 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024 From Argentina to Australia and Norway to Nova Scotia, these places will be making headlines in the year ahead. PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP PHOTOGRAPH BY SERGIO AMITI, GETTY IMAGES Is experiential travel the next big trend for next year? The nature of travel is changing, with a stronger focus on immersive experiences. Here's what that means for travelers. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

OUR MOST POPULAR STORIES

1. What archaeology is telling us about the real Jesus 2. How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face. 3. The Mediterranean diet has stood the test of time for a reason: It works 4. When you go sober for even a month, your body will change. Here’s how. 5. What is POTS? This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic

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