It looks like something out of a science fiction movie, inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone. A former top secret military object used by the Soviet Union, the mysterious giant antenna system called the Duga-3, was the origin of an extremely powerful but anonymous signal between 1976 to 1989. The sharp, tapping signal came without warning, disrupting broadcasts and communications worldwide. Transmission power on some woodpecker transmitters was estimated to be as high as 10 MW EIRP. It was built in the 70\’s as an early missile detection system (over-the-horizon radar system). It was also called the Steel Yard hence its distinctive appearance. The towers are incredible feats of engineering: the big ones measure 479 feet tall and spans a length of 2,460 feet (nearly half a mile). The antenna was deactivated in 1989.

credit:  Michael Kötter

The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here. More than 100 billion gallons of rainwater fall on the Forest per year. The climate is frost-free and ranges in moisture from semi-desert to rain forest conditions within very short distances. It is located in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km southeast of San Juan.

credit: Ricardo’s Photography

This Year the World Championship of sled dog took place in the town of Bernau in black forest in South Germany. Bernau has been a location for winter European dog sled races for more than 30 years. More than 6000 spectators from all over the world were cheering on 90 of the world’s top mushers from 5 different nations and 800 dogs of various breeds, mostly huskies.

credit: Ralf

This multi-tiered, cascading waterfall is hidden in the dense Williamette National Forest along the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway. It is one of the most frequently photographed waterfalls in Oregon. Lower Proxy Falls was created 6,000 years ago when a giant glacier carved a deep trough through the area, leaving steep canyon walls after the ice receded. The waterfall is a 100′ drop over stairsteps of broken columnar basalt giving the delicate misty look of the falls.

credit: Thomas Shahan 3

Most beautiful nature reserves of China, Zhangjiajie has wonderful hiking trails in a serene environment of staggering natural beauty. In 1982 it was recognized as China’s first national forest park. It has an area of 72,000 acres. 97% of the park is covered with plants which have 98 families, 517 species, over twice the total in Europe. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the Chinese province of Hunan features gigantic rocky pillar as the result of many years of erosion.

Park Facts:
Location: in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
Highest peak: Doupeng Mountain (1890 meters)
Ticket: CNY248 ( A ticket is valid for two days )
Opening time: 07:30-18:00

credit: john0philip