December 2024 Issue
Pictures of the Year
Exclusive: Look inside Notre Dame before it reopens its doors
Exclusive: Look inside Notre Dame before it reopens its doors
Five years after a catastrophic fire, Paris's beloved cathedral will open to great fanfare. Nat Geo got exclusive access to witness how an army of architects and artisans rebuilt the church back to its sacred splendor.EXPLORE
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Trees are more than just beautiful fixtures of any city neighborhood. They make hot summer days more bearable by providing shade and naturally cooling air temperatures in the immediate surroundings. However, researchers have found a distinct and historical connection between tree canopy disparit...
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Animals
- Bald eagles weren't actually the U.S. national bird—until nowBald eagles weren't actually the U.S. national bird—until now
- These street dogs may have been revered in ancient EgyptThese street dogs may have been revered in ancient Egypt
- Inside the life-saving world of canine blood donorsInside the life-saving world of canine blood donors
- ‘Murder hornets’ wiped out in North America in rare victory‘Murder hornets’ wiped out in North America in rare victory
- The fight to save this sea star just got interestingThe fight to save this sea star just got interesting
Environment
- Here’s how artificial Christmas trees stack up against the real thingHere’s how artificial Christmas trees stack up against the real thing
- 2024 might be one of the coldest years of the rest of your life2024 might be one of the coldest years of the rest of your life
- Solving this oceanic mystery could predict our future on EarthSolving this oceanic mystery could predict our future on Earth
- How this desert became the world's blueberry capitalHow this desert became the world's blueberry capital
- Quiz: Recycle or not? See if you can correctly sort your trash.Quiz: Recycle or not? See if you can correctly sort your trash.
- Is tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you need to know.Is tap water safe to drink? Here’s what you need to know.
- Why we add fluoride to water—and how it became so controversialWhy we add fluoride to water—and how it became so controversial
- Noisy boat traffic may hide fish from hungry orcasNoisy boat traffic may hide fish from hungry orcas
- The world's glaciers are melting faster than we thoughtThe world's glaciers are melting faster than we thought
History & Culture
- 7 New Year's food traditions that will bring good luck7 New Year's food traditions that will bring good luck
- See never-before-published photos of Jimmy Carter’s ’76 winSee never-before-published photos of Jimmy Carter’s ’76 win
- 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world in 100 years3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world in 100 years
- Why New Year’s resolutions have endured for millenniaWhy New Year’s resolutions have endured for millennia
- Why the idea that the Maya civilization ‘collapsed’ is wrongWhy the idea that the Maya civilization ‘collapsed’ is wrong
Science
- How your body changes in the first 10 minutes of exerciseHow your body changes in the first 10 minutes of exercise
- What are stars made of? She found out and changed physics foreverWhat are stars made of? She found out and changed physics forever
- What happens to your brain when you take a break from social mediaWhat happens to your brain when you take a break from social media
- How going sober for even a month can improve your healthHow going sober for even a month can improve your health
Travel
- Need a spiritual lift? Try this thousand-year-old hike in JapanNeed a spiritual lift? Try this thousand-year-old hike in Japan
- These are the best food destinations to visit in 2025These are the best food destinations to visit in 2025