National Geographic Society

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National Geographic Society

Supporting a community of Explorers who are illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. Visit natgeo.org to learn more.
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The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas. Today, are continuing to uncover new insights about the natural and

cultural worlds, and strengthening our connection to them and one another. The National Geographic Society is dedicated to fostering a community, where all — Explorers, staff, supporters and partners — are welcomed, respected and valued. This page reserves the right to remove any posting, comment or other material that we find off-topic, inappropriate or objectionable. Thank you for helping us foster a supportive community!

06/01/2026

Pssst! We have some news: We're updating our handle to Nat Geo Society. For over 138 years, we've explored every corner of the world. Join our global community as we continue to highlight the work of and further our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of world.

Photo by National Geographic Explorer Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark.

05/31/2026

Early in her career, Maya Munstermann observed the rapidly shifting landscape of California's kelp forest ecosystems. “[They] were changing faster than scientists could study them,” she recalls.

Beginning in 2013, a cluster of events‌‍‍‍‌‍ ‌led to the collapse of over 90 percent of these habitats, but Munstermann has been amazed at marine life’s capacity to recover. Explore what she's uncovered about how marine heatwaves and sea urchin dynamics impact the health of these vital kelp forests‌‍‍‍‌‍. Link in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Maya Munstermann

05/29/2026

Project ICARUS (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) hopes to solve scientific mysteries by monitoring the movement, health and environmental conditions of thousands of animals, from mammals to insects, in real time.

ICARUS uses a constellation of six satellites to observe animal movement globally. Scientists working on the project say it will not only tell them more about animals’ movements, but also how these movements can help predict everything from the weather to disease spread.

“I think we need a new Earth observation system for life itself,” says Martin Wikelski, director at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany.

On May 2, 2026, the second satellite to launch to space, RAVEN, reached low-Earth orbit on a SpaceX rocket. Supported by the National Geographic Society, the plan is to have six ICARUS satellites monitoring animals by 2027.

Photos courtesy of SpaceX (1), by fellow Explorer Christian Zielger (2) and by Martin Wikelski (3)

05/26/2026

If you could be one of these iconic American giants, which would you be: a 300 ft (91 m) tall redwood or a 3,000 year old sequoia?

05/23/2026

13 years and 21,000+ miles later, Paul Salopek’s Out of Eden Walk global trek has reached a major turning point. As he retraces our ancestors' ancient migration into the Americas, his journey is about to change course.

“For the first time, I’m planning to go south by sea kayak. And the reasoning there is that ancient humans who dispersed into this continent also used watercraft, and I want to honor that passage,” Salopek shares.

Photo by John Stanmeyer

05/22/2026

Climate change is speeding the spread of global pathogens. As the planet warms and more animals move toward the poles, researchers expect diseases to spread to new territories, leaving Antarctic wildlife vulnerable. Molecular ecologist and Jane Younger tested Antarctic marine life in the Southern Ocean for bird flu to better understand how the pathogen is spreading to the continent and around the globe. Younger is optimistic that fieldwork like hers will serve as an early-warning system for disease in the region. She envisions harnessing genetic information and on-the-ground observations to track pathogens, a system that would help scientists intervene during early warnings of outbreaks.

This work was conducted aboard the R/V Falkor (too) in collaboration with Schmidt Ocean Institute as part of the National Geographic and ROLEX Southern Ocean Expedition.

*All sampling was conducted under specialized veterinary supervision with expertise in penguin handling. During sampling of nesting mother penguins, chicks were held by wildlife experts to maintain warmth and kept in view of the mother, and returned to their nests upon sampling completion.

05/21/2026

The future of food is rooted in the soil. 🌱 How do we build a food system that sustains us all?

From the breadbasket of the American heartland to coffee farms in Ethiopia, 10 are unearthing the answers. By blending rigorous science with powerful storytelling, these Explorers are digging into the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. From utilizing methods like intercropping and controlled prairie burns, to documenting generational knowledge and Indigenous wisdom, these scientists and storytellers are helping shape the way of tomorrow today.

This vital work is part of Food for Tomorrow, a collaboration between the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo. Dig into their journey and discover how we can work with nature, not against it. 🌍🌾

05/20/2026

From the ancient, towering sequoias to the sweeping migrations of caribou, keystone species anchor our ecosystems. 🌲🦌

Since our founding, have worked to document and protect the United States' wildlife and landscapes. As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we embark on the next chapter of that work to preserve the country's iconic species.

See more wild icons that define the American landscape and the Explorers urgently pursuing their protection at the link in the comments below.

Photos by Joel Sartore (1), Michael Nichols (2), Paul Nicklen (3) and Katie Orlinsky (4)

05/19/2026

“For 396 days, I followed the course of the Amazon River and myriads of tributaries from across South America, from the Andes in the west to the Atlantic in the east,” shares Thomas P. Peschak. "I spent most of my time below the river’s surface, revealing a rarely glimpsed underworld."

The photographer and spent more than a year immersed in the Amazon River Basin with fellow Explorers and local communities to create a first-of-its-kind comprehensive visual documentation of the aquatic and wetland habitats of the Amazon rainforest. In his new book, Amazon: A River's Journey From the Andes to the Atlantic, Peschak captures astonishing biodiversity, novel wildlife behavior and unique ecologies of rarely glimpsed species.

His work is part of the National Geographic and ROLEX Amazon Expedition, showcasing the solutions, science and communities working to secure the future of the Amazon.

05/18/2026

For 138 years, the National Geographic Society has explored every corner of the globe. have brought wonder and curiosity to the world through a rich history of discovery and breathtaking photography.

As this journey continues down a new, exciting path with the opening of the National Geographic Museum on June 26 in Washington, D.C., revisit photos of Base Camp, the Society's headquarters, and get a sneak peek of what’s to come. More at the link in the comments.

Photos by Jacob Gayer (1), J. Baylor Roberts (2) and Emory Kristof (3) courtesy of National Geographic Society's Special Collections

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