National Geographic magazine, September 2025 Issue

The great moon rush is on. National Geographic stories take you on a journey that's always enlightening, often surprising and unfailingly fascinating. This month–the great moon rush is on.

In this issue: Everyone wants a piece of the moon—what could go wrong? — As NASA prepares to return explorers to the moon, big plans are already taking shape to develop this virtually untouched realm to suit human needs.; Why synthetic pot could be the future of pain relief — It’s dangerous. It’s toxic. And it may provide hope for millions in agony.; Inside the lab-driven quest for the ultimate high — How enterprising weed scientists are unlocking a startlingly powerful new form of cannabis.; This rare health disorder is on the rise in cannabis users — Nausea. Severe abdominal pain. Compulsive bathing. These are some of the hallmarks of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a medical condition that’s on the rise.; Here's how your dab pen and vape could affect your mental health — Why researchers are raising red flags about super-concentrated pot—especially among teens.; The real science behind delta-8 and synthetic weed — The real science behind delta-8 and synthetic marijuana.; The daredevil Okada taxi drivers who keep Lagos moving — In the Nigerian metropolis, motorcycle taxi drivers contend with harassment, chaotic streets, and gnarly accidents. But without them, the city of 20 million would grind to a halt.; Will Mexico's train of the future leave its past behind? — Mexico's $30 billion Tren Maya railway was built to unite the country and honor ancient Maya sites. Now that it’s up and running, the true cost of progress is finally becoming clear.; Resurrecting the lost giants of the Galápagos — They enthralled sailors. They inspired Darwin. Then, by the mid 19th-century, the iconic Floreana tortoise was gone. Here’s how a group of persistent scientists unlocked the secrets to bringing them back.; This designer is giving thousands of dead Burmese pythons new life — The non-native snakes are overrunning Florida and must be eliminated. Fashion designers are determined to make sure their remains don’t go to waste.