National Geographic magazine, August 2026 Issue

Death and life in the shadow of Vesuvius. National Geographic stories take you on a journey that's always enlightening, often surprising and unfailingly fascinating. This month–death and life in the shadow of Vesuvius.

In this issue: Pompeii's Secrets: How AI is Rewriting the Story of Mount Vesuvius — It was one of history’s most dramatic moments—but the eruption of Mount Vesuvius wasn’t a single disaster. Recent evidence reveals how three settlements faced three distinct fates, reshaping our understanding of how ancient Romans lived and died.; Why Tom Hiddleston Can’t Stop Thinking About Pompeii — In a new National Geographic docudrama series, the award-winning actor unveils the latest insights into the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.; The Fearless Charge of Morocco’s Horsewomen — For centuries, the equestrian sport of tbourida was reserved for men. Now female riders are bringing the age-old tradition to a new generation.; One Photographer’s Quest to Reveal Every Animal on Earth — Twenty years ago, wildlife photographer Joel Sartore set out to capture portraits of every species in human care. Today, after 18,000 creatures, the conservation mission at the heart of his Photo Ark project has never been more urgent.; Step into Florida’s Mystery Forests of Cypress Domes — Deep in Florida’s remote wetlands, towering stands of cypress trees form an ecological marvel that’s seldom seen by outsiders. Until now.; Revealing a rare look at China’s elusive giant panda — To capture an image of China’s famous black-and-white bear, an inventive photographer first had to find one.; See the Hidden Ways Airplanes Navigate Contested Airspace — Charting the invisible traffic patterns within one of the most congested corridors of airspace on Earth; The Stunningly Beautiful Quest to Save the World’s Rarest Orchids — In the face of an extinction crisis, one maverick botanist is on a mission to preserve some of the most endangered plants.; How a Bear Claw Became a Grisly Token of Arctic Survival — Over a century ago, a team of researchers set out to establish the first research station on Canada’s Ellesmere Island. Then tragedy struck.