An Italian photographer travelled to Chile where he visited several star-gazing sites, home to some of the world's most advanced telescopes, located in the spectacular setting of the Atacama desert. Surrounded by vast desert and distant snow topped mountains, the enormous satellite dishes, dome-shaped buildings and telescopes are run by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) , an intergovernmental body dedicated to observing space. Photographer Alberto Ghizzi Panizza was granted access to several observatory sites.
A northern potoo shows it is a master of disguise as it perches on a tree stump and blends into the bark .
Throwing their arms up in the air, these energetic squirrels play a game of ball with a walnut .
SOARING at 112 miles per hour through the air, this petite blonde certainly lives up to her title as the fastest flying woman in the world .
STRETCHING his little legs in the air, a smiley leaf-tailed gecko breaks free from his old, scaly skin .
LYING back in the snow, these two polar bears share a cuddle as they call time out on playtime .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
ROLLING across a 65-metre-high viaduct in the Alps, the red carriages of the Bernina Express add a splash of colour to the spectacular snow-covered Swiss surroundings .
CAUSING a splash, this determined kingfisher goes hunting for dinner .
A hungry hippo is seconds away from catching a bird in its gigantic jaws .
RESTING his weary head on his flipper, this little seal pup takes a much needed nap after an afternoon of strenuous yoga .
THIS unique holiday accommodation allows you to enjoy a full Flintstones experience .
WITH A wide smile plastered across his face, this little gecko is ready for his close up .