This Weekly Escape explores the awe-inspiring woman behind one of the most iconic Egyptian relics, discovers a magician who mailed himself to freedom... and returns to Egypt for a scandalous Cleopatra love affair. Plus, 19 of the world’s most romantic destinations; the largest egg ever.

BPK/SCALA, FLORENCE 

Her name means “the beautiful one has come.” And while we know plenty about her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, we know much less about the iconic beauty immortalized in what may be the most famous relic of antiquity. Now, Egyptologists are exploring other dimensions of her life, including her role as powerbroker—and what happened to her after her husband's death.

Related: 

- Inside the decadent love affair of Cleopatra and Marc Antony 

- The true story of the women warriors of this West African kingdom 

PHOTOGRAPH BY BORIS VETSHEV, SHUTTERSTOCK 

ALBUM

Saving lives: A deadly 19th century battle inspired a pacifist to form the Red Cross. Which battle? 

A. Antietam
B. The Charge of the Light Brigade
C. Solferino
D. Waterloo 

Related: A coming world war prompted this surgeon to develop the modern blood bank

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF DAI, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

One by one, an array of our solar system’s planets are in an extraordinary alignment in our night sky this month. Which planet ISN’T in this lineup?

A. Saturn
B. Uranus
C. Neptune
D. Earth 

Related:

- 8 night sky highlights in 2025

- The best places to see the Northern Lights 

- How reading the night sky helped Black Americans survive  

Today’s Soundtrack: Star Dust, Louis Armstrong 

Bonus Track: Stardust, Willie Nelson 

Today’s newsletter was edited and curated by David Beard and produced by Amanda Williams-Bryant. Thanks for reading! Have a suggestion for us? Let us know!