National Geographic July 2012

The Riddle of Easter Island

How did the statues move? That question puzzles archaeologists – and modern-day islanders.

Epic Storms

Is that a spaceship? Or a mushroom cloud? Or a strange skyscape whipped up by wild weather?

Vanishing Voices

A language goes silent every 14 days. That could mean the end of words like tradzy, azaac, khei-at.

Life in an Icy Inferno

The breakfast of scientists freezes in the bowl. But weird microbes, possibly from Earth’s bowels, thrive in the hot soil of an Antarctic volcano.

Russian Summer

In vacation cottages the women are in housedresses. The men, Speedos and rubber boots. They brood, plant, party, and restore their souls.