The Mekong River is a vital resource for every country through which it passes. China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam rely upon these waters for agriculture, fishing, and transportation. In recent years water use has been abused and downstream populations have had to deal with pollution and unreliable water levels.
Mt. Etna is an intermittently active volcano that put on a display for us as we hiked the cinder cones at its base.
Many visitors to Paris miss this gem. It has the caché of an old B-movie starring Peter Lorre.
There are few thing that express Paris - the Eiffel Tour, Sacre-Coeur, and Notre Dame. Visitors nearly always want to snap a photo of these places while enjoying their moments of admiration.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted so many lives. The stone gate in Zagreb is a sacred shrine to Mother Mary whose portrait miraculously survived a fire in the 17th century.
Saint Rosaria is the patron saint of Palermo. Her body was discovered in a grotto high above the city.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences operates Purple Mountain Observatory which is a major astronomical research institution located on the Purple Mountain (Zijinshan) in Nanjing, China.
It conducts research in areas such as astrophysics, solar physics, planetary science, and cosmology. The site originally focused on traditional optical observations but has since expanded its work to include radio and high-energy astrophysics.
The site is home to several ancient astronomical devices that reflect China's long history in astronomy. These devices highlight the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Chinese astronomers.
Armillary Sphere
Originally designed by Zhang Heng during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), this device was used to determine the positions of stars. The version at the here is a replica from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644); a scientific tool and a work of art.
Celestial Globe
The celestial globe, was used to map the positions of stars and celestial objects as they appear in the sky. It is a three-dimensional representation of the heavens, showcasing constellations and the movement of celestial bodies.
The celestial globe at the observatory is a replica from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), crafted with intricate detail. It features a network of engraved lines representing celestial coordinates, such as the ecliptic and equator, which were essential for tracking the movement of stars and planets. This tool was not only a scientific instrument but also a testament to the artistic and technical skills of its creators.
This rotating suspension bridge, was designed by Santiago Calatrava and finished in 2001, named "Women's Bridge".
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