Scientists explore the most unique corners of our world. They survey the frigid waters underneath the edge of Antarctica, watch polar bears circle as they look for a patch of ice to rest on, and gaze up at the stars from the high altitude Chilean desert.
They're able to capture some pretty stunning photos while they do all that.
Some of the best of these images are showcased in the annual Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition.
Check out a selection of the finalists and winners below.
SEE ALSO: Stunning new photos show the faces of animals on the verge of extinction
In Nahuelbuta National Park, Chile, a tiny acari gets trapped by an elastic bluish thread of a spiderweb.
At the current Pu'u O'o eruption site of the active Kilauea volcano in Hawaii's Volcano National Park, the lava flows that created the Big Island still make it grow every year.
A family of olive oil droplets hang from a soft silk thread.
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