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.
PERCHING on top of a gate, this young barn swallow waits patiently for his mum to return with dinner .
Raising his arms above his head and lying flat on his back, a polar bear stretches as he sprawls out across the ice .
A chipmunk, with his cheeks full to bursting, has no intention of leaving with an empty stomach .
WE’RE all familiar with the heart-wrenching pictures of dogs abandoned in animal shelters, but one photographer has found an innovative way of showcasing the pooch’s personality .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
As sunlight cascades through its vibrant stained glass windows, every inch of the Nasir-ol-Mulk Mosque bursts with colour .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
With their guts spewing and eyes hanging out, these are the cuddly toys children might be reluctant to curl up to .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
Jostling their quills into the noses of some unlucky cubs, this is the moment two feisty porcupines ALMOST defeat a pride of seven lions .
A TEN-THOUSAND square foot wide Avatar-style grove is such a beauty it will leave you feeling VINE .