A jet pack, rocket belt or rocket pack is a device, usually worn on the back, which uses jets of gas (or in some cases liquid) to propel the wearer through the air. The concept has been present in science fiction for almost a century and became widespread in the 1960s. Real jet packs, using a variety of mechanisms have been developed, though the challenges of Earth's atmosphere, Earth's gravity, low energy density of available fuels, and the human body not being naturally adapted to fly mean that their uses are much more limited than their fictional counterparts, being principally used for stunts. A practical use for the jet pack has been in extra-vehicular activities for astronauts.
The National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest is underway. The above picture was the winner of the 2017 Contest. The 2018 competition closes on May 31 and the grand-prize winner will be awarded $10,000 (USD). Here are some of this year’s entries, gathered from three categories: Nature, Cities, and People. The photos and captions were written by the photographers, and lightly edited for style. From June 11-15, fans of NG will vote for their favorite photos from each category and select the Peoples’ Choice winners.
Audrey Hepburn May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993: "I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II," said actress Audrey Hepburn on her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989. "I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does." As a result of her work for UNICEF over subsequent years, that gratitude is mutual. Every year, UNICEF awards the "Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award to individuals who have greatly contributed to the betterment of children worldwide.
Hailing from South Korea, BTS is now the biggest boy band in the world, topping charts and setting records as they continue on their current world tour. Since their debut in 2013, the seven member group — which consists of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have grown beyond the bounds of traditional K-pop acts, making a splash everywhere from Chile to California. Their devoted followers, styled as “ARMY,” have kept them trending on social media at most public appearances, while their musical releases, like this summer’s “Idol,” have broken records on YouTube and international and domestic charts. But the boys of BTS try to stay grounded.