The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland 6 May 2024

The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland

Lightsabers gleam and droids beep; let"s all geek! Today"s image flashes out a filming location from the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy, the island of Skellig Michael, off the coast of southwestern Ireland. This UNESCO World Heritage landmark houses a preserved monastery from the 6th century, founded by early monks. The site"s beehive huts and stone staircases were showcased as the backdrop of a cloistered island on planet Ahch-To, where Jedi Master Luke Skywalker sought refuge in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Skellig Michael"s abundant seabird population, including puffins, inspired the creation of the penguin-like porgs that roost on Ahch-To. So, grab your Wookiee co-pilot, hop in your starship and may the force be strong as you journey through this galactic Earth location not so far away!

© MNStudio/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

An architectural masterpiece fit for a king
Bewitched by the fairy flower
6 May 2025An ultralight aircraft flying over the sands of Namibia

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Single file, please!
18 Sep 2024Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
22 Jul 2025Badlands National Park, South Dakota, United States
18 Mar 2026Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Sunlight turning silver to gold
A walk in the clouds
It’s party time
Big Bends birthday bash
10 Nov 2023Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
9 Jun 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
Solo on the savanna
High achievers
8 Dec 2024Notre-Dame reopens
21 Dec 2024Burning the Clocks
A beach of many colours
30 Jan 2024Aýna, Albacete, Spain
12 Aug 2024World Elephant Day
2 Mar 2025Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia
10 Mar 2025Lion, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
15 Feb 2025Kingfisher
Sunset on the Valley of the Moon
On the edge
11 Aug 2024Wooden path to Kennedy Lake, Vancouver Island, Canada
11 Mar 2026Peach trees in Cieza, Murcia, Spain
12 Sep 2025World Dolphin Day
10 Aug 2024Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
One rare streak
12 Jan 2025Crescent-tail bigeye fish, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
19 Apr 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States