Newsletter #38 State Of The Planet Earth - 2019-02-24

If you love articles about Nature and Earth, this page is for you. Happy reading!

20 wild and beautiful U.S. state parks: Erica Jackson Curran

---

Discover these lesser-known natural wonders.

Why insect populations are plummeting—and why it matters: Douglas Main

---

A new study suggests that 40 percent of insect species are in decline, a sobering finding that has jarred researchers worldwide.

Take a hike in Tasmania’s pristine wilderness: Carrie Hutchinson

---

The region's natural beauty and distinctive wildlife evolved over millennia.

Your best photos of the week, February 15, 2019: Kristen McNicholas

---

Each week, our editors choose stunning photos submitted by members of Your Shot, National Geographic's photo community.

12 photos show the adorable pangolin in all its glory: Rachael Bale

---

Meet the pangolin—an animal unlike any other on Earth.

See the best pictures from NASA's official photographer: Catherine Zuckerman

---

Now in his 30th year on the job, Bill Ingalls has covered some of space exploration's biggest moments thanks to a college internship.

Bears:

---

Bears are large, stocky animals with non-retractable claws, shaggy fur, an excellent sense of smell, and short tails.

Moon photos from the 1960s were developed in space—here's how: Theresa Machemer

---

To find safe places for Apollo astronauts to land, NASA designed five survey satellites carrying classified defense technology.

New 'astonishing' tarantula has strange horn on its back: Carrie Arnold

---

Discovered in a little-studied part of Angola, the arachnid ambushes its prey at night.

How sea snakes, surrounded by salt water, quench their thirst: Jake Buehler

---

Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Such is the lot in life for thirsty sea snakes—and yet they’ve found a way to thrive.