Penitentes, or nieves penitentes (Spanish for “penitent-shaped snows”), are a snow formation found at high altitudes. They take the form of tall thin blades of hardened snow or ice, closely spaced with the blades oriented towards the general direction of the sun.

This strange coral-looking specimen is actually a mushroom. The photo, “Beautiful Destroyer”, was taken in the Panamanian tropical rainforest where the mushroom produces nitrogen, an element vital to soil health. (Photo by Sarah A. Batterman)

A demonstrator jumps from a vehicle of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during a protest to demand what protesters say is true information from the OSCE about the shelling in Donetsk, Ukraine (since April 2014, the city is the administrative centre of the Donetsk People's Republic), July 23, 2015. The graffiti reads, “Stop moronic war!”. (Photo by Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

Bikers are the knights of the modern times. They ride their steel horses; they drink and brawl and have their own strict code of honor. Some people view them as land-dwelling pirates; however, they are so much more than that. Photographer Sandro Miller is one of the few people who decided to look deeper than their rugged exterior, realizing that it takes more than a Harley Davidson bike and a leather jacket to make a biker. A true biker cannot be chained to a single place. The spirit of the true biker demands change, it seeks adventure, and it thirsts for freedom! (Photo by Sandro Miller)

Tuna is an adorable and charming 3 year-old Chiweenie who was born with an aggressive overbite and a lower recessed jawline. He also has 5 moles surrounding his mouth, a crumbled chin and a neck that looks like he has been soaking in a bathtub for days! Those who can see past his irregularities will also adore him for them. They have eyes see his true beauty, because true beauty captivates our hearts and not just our eyes.

A newly born Sitatunga calf seen at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo on November 24, 2016 in Whipsnade, England. The swamp-dwelling species, also known as a marshbuck, is Africa's only true amphibious antelope. It was snuggled up in the leaves and almost perfectly camouflaged as it mother tended it. (Photo by Tony Margiocchi/Barcroft Images)

“Freedom”. After the 30 years banning import large motorcycle, in 2007, the Taiwan government reopened the import licensing of the motorcycle displacement over 550 cubic centimeter. Those large bikes, which were never seen before, were strange thought and treated unequally frequently. However, those adversity will not stop those enthusiastic bike riders from chasing the road of freedom. Photo location: Taiwan. (Photo and caption by 火花 羅/National Geographic Photo Contest)

Moscow’s Red Square has seen its share of strange stuff over the centuries, from medieval public executions to artistic self-mutilations. But a giant Louis Vuitton suitcase took many Muscovites completely by surprise. The 9-meter high, 30-meter long building covered in iconic gold-on-brown pattern erected last week is to host a historic exhibition.