National Geographic | THE COMPASS

National Geographic

THE COMPASS

This week, we explore the summer season. Behold the bears of summer, learn why we call this time of year the "dog days" of summer, and 5 ways you can keep the planet clean this summer. Plus, top stories you may have missed.

Even as a drone hovered above to get this shot, a large male polar bear that photographer Martin Gregus, Jr., calls Scar never stirred in this bed of fireweed.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN GREGUS, JR.

Snoozing in flower beds? Behold the bears of summer

A photographer spends two months in the Canadian Arctic and reveals a softer side of the world’s largest terrestrial predator.

REVEALING A SOFTER SIDE

Vacationers relax under the shade of umbrellas on a pool deck in Palm Springs, California.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JENN EMERLING, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Does sunscreen expire? How much SPF is enough? Your burning questions, answered

Experts weigh in on everything to know about sunblock—from the difference between mineral and chemical varieties to when and how often you should be applying it.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

DID YOU MISS THESE TOP STORIES?

1.

Before you go hiking, read these life-saving tips from first responders

2.

Did Indiana Jones help or hurt archaeology?

3.

These three kings ruled Rome. Their bloody reigns sparked a revolution.

4.

Inside the ‘factory of the world,’ there is still a corner untouched by machines

The constellations canis major and lepus.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANN RONAN PICTURES, PRINT COLLECTOR/GETTY

Here’s why we call this time of year the ‘dog days’ of summer

These punishingly hot summer days get their name from an ancient belief about the brightest star in the sky—not from dogs’ tendency to laze around in the heat.

AN ANCIENT BELIEF

IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, THE SUMMER SOLSTICE TYPICALLY FALLS AROUND WHICH DAY?

A. JUNE 9
B. JUNE 21
C. JULY 1

CLICK TO SEE IF YOU'RE RIGHT!

Picture of hands showing microplastics on the beach.

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

5 ways you can keep the planet clean this summer

Suppose we clean up our messes and recycle what can be salvaged. Isn’t that how Mother Nature would want us to behave?

HELPING OUT MOTHER NATURE

Two boys playing in a water sprinkler in the garden.

PHOTOGRAPH BY COHEN/OSTROW / GETTY IMAGES

How extreme heat might change your kid's summers

Summers just keep getting hotter. Here’s what that could mean for the future of your child’s annual break.

WHAT THE FUTURE MIGHT LOOK LIKE

WHAT WILL WE EXPLORE NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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