Nature is nothing short of magical. From glowing blue waves to thunder that rolls like a war drum, every corner of our planet hides something unexpected and spectacular.
That’s exactly why we at Bored Panda put on our explorer hats and dug up some of the most dazzling, dangerous, and bizarre natural phenomena from around the world. Think of this as your all-access pass to Earth’s coolest secrets; no hiking boots are required.
Whether you’re into icy caves that sparkle like a fairytale or beaches with jet-black, there’s something here to make you gasp, smile, or Google, “How do I see this in real life?” Scroll on to explore these marvels, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that made your jaw drop or made you shout “NO WAY” out loud.
The grandeur of nature is truly beyond words. From snowstorms that blanket mountains in eerie silence to fog domes that roll in like scenes from a fantasy film, the planet never fails to surprise us. But capturing that magic? That’s a whole different challenge. Nature doesn’t perform on command, and it takes a rare blend of timing, patience, and maybe a little luck to click that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
To understand more about what goes into photographing such marvels, we spoke with Lokesh Tardalkar, a wildlife photographer and assistant professor at UPG College of Arts, Science & Commerce. With years of experience both in classrooms and out in the wild, Lokesh offered us a peek behind the lens. His journey is filled with adrenaline, adventure, and admiration for Mother Earth.
“Some phenomena,” he told us, “like the Northern Lights or meteor showers, can be predicted to some extent. You can look up the best viewing times, monitor solar activity, and research ideal locations.” He recalled a colleague who, while on a trip to Europe, chanced upon an aurora sighting and ended up capturing it beautifully, purely by being informed and ready.
But, of course, not everything comes with a schedule. “Then there are those unexpected moments,” Lokesh added. “A fogbow forming suddenly, or an animal doing something incredibly rare. You just have to be in the right place at the right time.” These are the stories that become legends among photographers, nature offering a gift to the lucky few.
What’s the secret sauce, then? “Patience,” Lokesh said. “And a keen eye. You have to observe quietly, respect your surroundings, and wait. Sometimes you might sit for hours and return empty-handed, and sometimes you get gold in 30 seconds.” That’s the unpredictable beauty of it all: nothing is guaranteed, but everything is possible.
The most likely explanation is that it’s caused by a source of heat close to the ground, possibly an agricultural building or a relatively warm pool of water.
He also stressed the importance of research. “You can’t just walk into a forest or a glacier and expect magic. It takes planning, studying wildlife patterns, knowing weather trends, and yes, checking which lens you might need for what.” He smiled as he shared tales of spending days tracking a single rare bird through dense forest.
Naturally, the tools of the trade matter, too. “If you’re photographing meteors, you need specific settings, gear, and minimal light pollution. For capturing a kangaroo close-up? Different story, different equipment.” It’s about knowing your subject and having the right tech at hand to do it justice.
Sometimes, that journey takes you off the beaten path. “There are places we go that most people wouldn’t even think of,” he said. “Steep cliffs, thick jungles, remote deserts because often, that’s where the magic hides. That’s where nature reveals herself without filters or fences.”
Capturing the essence of our planet is no easy task. As Lokesh reflected, it’s a lifelong quest filled with missed shots, new learnings, and moments that make every ounce of effort worth it. “We try our best,” he said. “Even if we fail sometimes, we know we’re chasing something meaningful.”
And honestly? He’s right. Mother Earth is phenomenal. Her beauty, unpredictability, and raw power can leave you breathless and maybe even clicking “save” on a photograph you’ll never forget. So, which of these natural wonders mesmerized you the most? Let us know!
Moonbows, like the name implies, are lunar rainbows. When light is reflected off the moon, then refracted through mist from a dissipating rain — much like a regular rainbow — a moonbow is the (very faint) result.
Moonbows are a rare phenomenon, but can best be seen through the spray of a waterfall. There are certain times of year when moonbows can be seen, and Yosemite National Park is entering its moonbow season, which takes place in the spring after the snowmelt.
Today we had a large and unexpected storm come through the park which caused a quick drop in the temperature. This pressure change caused the airflow to reverse, pulling into the cave, resulting in a dense fog filling the Rotunda room!
A geological phenomenon moved this rock and inscribed the tracks you can see ahead of it on the dried lake bed. For years scientist have been unable to explain what force could have moved it across the valley, until in 2014 a pair of scientists was able to record a timelapse of the rocks moving.
It turns that the rocks drift when thin ice panels that formed underneath them during a cold winter night, started melting during windy conditions. There are many such stones and tracks in this part of Death Valley National Park, which is why it’s called Racetrack Playa.
Blood Falls seeps from the end of the Taylor Glacier into Lake Bonney. The tent at left provides a sense of scale for just how big the phenomenon is. Scientists believe a buried saltwater reservoir is partly responsible for the discoloration, which is a form of reduced iron.
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