“The telectroscope (also referred to as “electroscope”) was the first non-working prototype (i.e. conceptual model) of a television or videophone system. The term was used in the 19th century to describe science-based systems of distant seeing. The name and its concept came into being not long after the telephone was patented in 1876, and its original concept evolved from that of remote facsimile reproductions onto paper, into the live viewing of remote images”. – Wikipedia

Photo: Visitors to London wave to people they can see in New York as they peer through the Telectroscope situated by Tower Bridge on May 23, 2008 in London, England. The device named the Telectroscope provides a live visual link up between London and New York, to another Telectroscope by Brooklyn Bridge. (Photo by Cate Gillon/Getty Images)

Second Place Winner: “Thunderstorm at False Kiva”. I hiked out to these ruins at night hoping to photograph them with the Milky Way, but instead a thunderstorm rolled through, creating this dramatic image. – Max Seigal. National Geographic Traveler Director of Photography Dan Westergren, one of this year's judges, shares his thoughts on the second place winner: “This photo combines two different scenes into one: the small kiva in a cliff dwelling and the grand vista of Canyonlands National Park across the valley. I really like the two different color palettes – warm inside and purple outside. This two-for-one scene was caused by the lightning storm outside the dwelling, which lit up the landscape like it was a huge electronic flash. Looking at this picture I can imagine what a wonderful sight it must have been for the ancient people who lived here. It doesn't seem too amazing now in our modern world, but might have been mind-blowing for the prehistoric residents”. Location: Utah. (Photo and caption by Max Seigal/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

People look at a 1939 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Lungo Touring Spider displayed at Sotheby's in New York City, New York, U.S. July 21, 2016. The car, unveiled in a pre-publicity showing in New York on Thursday, is expected to sell for more than US$15 million – and could set a record for the most money ever paid for a pre-war auto at auction. (Photo by Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Masked up revellers hit the town in Sheffield, United Kingdom on October 10, 2020 before the Prime Minister introduces a three-tier lockdown system that will see hospitality venues shut in virus hotspots. (Photo by London News Pictures/The Sun)

People socialising in Soho, central London on July 11, 2020, after the lifting of further coronavirus lockdown restrictions in England. Revellers are urged to remember the importance of social distancing as pubs gear up for the second weekend of trade since the lifting of lockdown measures. (Photo by Stefan Rousseau/PA Images via Getty Images)

People take part in the Million Mask March anti-establishment protest at Trafalgar Square in London on November 5, 2020, on the first day of a four week national lockdown for England. (Photo by Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images)

Gentoo penguins watching Christmas films at the Sea Life London aquarium on November 30, 2020. The attraction has installed two TVs, showing festive films, outside the penguin enclosure to prepare them for the stimulation of guests returning on Wednesday after the UK’s lockdown is lifted. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)

A woman walking with a dog battles through heavy rain and blustery conditions during the morning on Wimbledon Common in London on October 2, 2020 as storm Alex brings strong 70mph gale force winds to many parts of the UK. (Photo by Amer Ghazzal/Alamy Live News)