A mushroom cloud dwarfs a row of skyscrapers in what looks like a devastating nuclear bomb detonation. But thankfully this is just a spectacular weather-front blasting in from the tempestuous Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado, USA. The unbelievable shot is just one of many of the city's skyline taken by photographer Greg Thow. The 49-year-old has also captured equally stunning shots of lightning blasts and arching rainbows – all from the comfort of his balcony. (Photo by Greg Thow/Barcroft Media)

These sand-swept images show the ghostly remains of what was once a mineral-rich mining community. In its heyday, the town of Kolmanskop, Namibia, was home to about 700 families. Now all that remains are empty homes filled with sand, while cast-off items such as bathtubs are scattered about the surrounding area. Over time, the sand of the stunning dunes that encircle the town of Kolmanskop has been blown towards the abandoned residences, coating everything from streets to the interiors of houses and workshops. Here: Kolmankop, an abandoned mining town in Namibia. (Photo by David Ogden/Caters News)

A woman controls a ball on Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, April 14, 2016. As hundreds of thousands of tourists begin descending on Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics that start August 5, the headlines have focused on the street violence, the Zika virus, the water pollution and the rush to finish venues and transport. But Rio, known by Brazilians as the “Marvelous City”, glistens despite it all. The beach is a way of life here. (Photo by Nacho Doce/Reuters)

Christ the Redeemer is seen from the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) during sunrise in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 4, 2016. Rio de Janeiro is a marvel and a mess all at once. When it hosts the first ever Olympics in South America, starting Aug. 5, visitors will see a city whose stunning topography – stark, verdant mountains loom over packed and playful beaches – competes only with the drama of daily life here. (Photo by Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Some creations from the new “Funny Food Made Easy” book by Bill and Claire Wurtzel. “Inspiring kids to eat healthy foods with creative works of plate art and easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations. Through finished plate art, detailed step-by-step illustrations, recipes, and tips, Funny Food Made Easy provides all you and your kids need to make, eat, and enjoy healthy breakfasts, lunches, and snacks” – roughly speaking so. Here: Egg, cucumber, olive. (Photo by Bill and Claire Wurtzel/Welcome Books)

Miss Venezuela Edymar Martinez poses during the swimsuit contest during the Miss International beauty pageant in Tokyo on November 5, 2015. Martinez won the Miss International title. Representatives of 70 countries and regions from all over the world took part in the annual beauty contest. (Photo by Toru Yamanaka/AFP Photo)

Ramela Meseljevic, a 7 year-old girl born without both of her hands and one of her legs shorter than the other, writes during classes in the her school in Begov Han, Bosnia and Herzegovina December 2, 2015. International Day of Disabled Persons is observed on December 3 with the theme "Inclusion matters: access and empowerment of people of all abilities". (Photo by Dado Ruvic/Reuters)

David Hall’s photographs of scenery and creatures off the coast of Canada in the Pacific Northwest portray serenity under the water, which belie the extreme challenges he faces to get his images. For each shoot, Hall wears a dry suit, a neoprene body suit that covers all of his body but his head and traps air inside to keep him warm. Water temperature in Canada’s British Columbia typically ranges between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Photo: Moon jellyfish and cross jellies. (Photo by David Hall)