The absences of the day

The editor-in-chief's word on every occasion I talk about the craft of investigations of your magazine, always I focus on the term "storytelling" in both its written and visual forms together. I also make sure to remind all those who describe "National Geographic" content as scientific that it is not purely scientific, but it is based on scientific facts. It is different and distinguished from scientific papers, for example, which are usually rigorous in terms of research and academic accuracy, but lack the element of excitement. And here the question is raised: how can the two elements of storytelling and scientific credibility be combined? The answer in one word: exploration. The latter forms a melting pot in which all the necessary components for creating meaningful content that combines knowledge, excitement, and even entertainment are blended and fused. When we look at the scientific foundation, we find it primarily based on curiosity that takes the explorer to the corners of the world to investigate scientific facts closely, instead of just theoretical study or examining samples in the laboratory. On the other hand, exploration enriches us with rich experiences that provide us—besides knowledge—with an emotional boost through our interaction with storytelling; an aesthetic dimension that can only be achieved by the explorer/narrator/journalist/scientist venturing out of their comfort zone. Regarding the cover story of this issue, we follow the research vessel "Ocean-Xplorer" across the oceans of the world to explore its depths, which are difficult to access; within one of the greatest scientific challenges of modern times. The ship is equipped with the latest technical tools, and its crew is led by the most brilliant oceanographers and specialists in precise fields; but its discoveries and research results would not have reached the widest audiences worldwide if they were not woven into a story using storytelling techniques. I wish you a useful and enjoyable storytelling! In this issue, read about: An unprecedented technological revolution revealing the hidden depths of the ocean for a deeper understanding Vikings' warriors Brazilian Cerado Burrowing Owl