Gr8at: Spectacular National Geographic Images

Formerly known as The National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic has long been a byword for exploration; it’s covering of the history of some of the remotest parts of the globe is second to none. It’s also celebrated for its superb photography. Here are eight shots that have been displayed in its publication that I just had to share. Which one grabs you the most?

The Nyiragongo Volcano in the Democratic Republic of Congo is certainly intimidating. The cooled lava floor, turned red by the reflected glow of a lake, is both incredible and terrifying.

This eerie shot of the active Merapi “Fire Mountain”feels more like a computer game animation. Facing the mountain in the image is a sacred and latticed stupa of Borobudur Monument’s first upper terrace and an endearing statue of Buddha.

It looks like the rainstorm just wants to suck up the water in the Jasmund National Park in northwest Germany. Full marks if you spotted the tiny sailing boat in the otherwise still sea

No, this isn’t a painting! Tinted orange by the morning sun, a soaring dune is the backdrop for the hulks of camel thorn trees in this poetic shot of Namib-Naukluft Park.

Long-time readers will know how just how big a fan of fireworks I am. Skies can be spectacular at the best of times, but this shot just above the Hudson River in New York, are further proof of how they can be spectacularly added to.

I’ve always loved thunderstorms, especially with a hint of purple. So a time exposure of four lightning strikes over Scottsdale Arizona was always going to appeal.

A gorgeous winter sunset at Point of the Arches in Olympic National Park feels like an earthly paradise.

The Milky Way teeters precauriously on Balanced Rock in Arches National Park in Utah, which makes it look as if you could fall off the face of the earth.