National Geographic | National Geographic

National Geographic

SOLTSTICE IS PRIMETIME

Thursday, June 20, 2024

In today’s newsletter, we check out the incredible solstice at Stonehenge, wonder why the U.S. hasn’t yet adopted the metric system ... and take a peek at the early universe like never before. Also, meet this pioneering woman astronaut.

Stonehenge against a sunset

PHOTOGRAPH BY REUBEN WU

The solstice party already has begun, where the morning sun will rise behind the Heel Stone to the northeast, its first rays shining into the heart of Stonehenge (pictured above).

The mysterious megalith was built by a vanished people without a written language—yet attracts contemporary seekers by the thousands. What do we know about it?

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Related: What is the summer solstice? Here’s what you need to know.
See: Sunset and sunrise live from Stonehenge

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

A park ranger taking a photograph of a digital thermometer that shows temperatures are 126 degrees Farenheit.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROGER KISBY, REDUX

Everyone else uses it, so why hasn’t the U.S. adopted the metric system yet?

How long has cannabis been in use? Archaeology may have an answer.

In a rare win, one of Earth’s biggest freshwater fish is making a comeback

How your health in your 20s can set you up for future success

What causes multiple sclerosis—and why are women more at risk?

These cities are running out of water—and fast

Can trauma be inherited?

If these tiny ‘handprints’ aren’t human…what are they?

The best mosquito repellents, from sprays to lotions

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Illustration depicting a supernova formed from the explosive death of a massive star.

ILLUSTRATION BY MEHAU KULYK, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

A brand-new glimpse of the universe: Data from the James Webb Space Telescope has provided us with a glimpse of the early universe unlike any before. A recent analysis showed about 80 supernovae (illustrated above) in just one tiny patch of the sky—and they’re older than any we’ve ever seen before. Just how old are they?

SEE THEM IN THE SKY

PAID CONTENT FOR TOYOTA

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEITH LADZINSKI

Explore the vast wilderness of Colorado's backcountry

Soaring peaks, sprawling sand dunes, and diverse wildlife define the San Luis Valley. As one of the world's largest alpine valleys, it's a natural launchpad for outdoor recreation. Join National Geographic Photographer Keith Ladzinski as he gets back to this region to seek out adventure.

WHAT IN THE WORLD?

A portrait of Sally Ride while in space

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF NASA, AS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MACKENZIE CALLE

41 years ago today, Sally Ride (pictured above) became the first American woman in space, but there’s a side to her story that was never revealed during her life. Only a single line in her obituary was dedicated to her longtime partnership to another woman. See her boundary-breaking life in these photos.

HONORING SALLY RIDE

Today’s soundtrack: That Summer Feeling, Jonathan Richman

Tomorrow: Don’t miss our Top 10 stories of the week! And sign up here for our weekend Photo of the Week!

Today’s newsletter was curated by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, and Nishita Naga. Thanks for reading!

Clicking on the Facebook, Instagram, and National Geographic Channel links will take you away from our National Geographic Partners site where different terms of use and privacy policy apply.

This email was sent to: [email protected]. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

This email contains an advertisement from:
National Geographic | 1145 17th Street, N.W. | Washington, D.C. 20036

Stop all types of future commercial email from National Geographic regarding its products, services, or experiences.

Manage all email preferences with the Walt Disney Family of Companies.

© 2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC, All rights reserved.