Week in pictures: 4-10 December 2021
- Published
A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week.
People observe a solar eclipse from the Union Glacier scientific polar station in Antarctica.
Rescuers in Indonesia continue searching for survivors in villages buried by hot ash, after Mount Semeru, on the island of Java, erupted. At least 11 villages in Lumajang, in East Java, were covered in volcanic ash.
The casket of former senator Bob Dole lies in state in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington DC. The World War Two veteran, who went on to be a long-time Republican senator and US presidential candidate, died aged 98.
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa floats inside the International Space Station (ISS). Maezawa joins the growing list of billionaires who have made the journey to space.
A girl runs in her wellington boots as Storm Barra makes landfall in Galway. Strong winds, with gusts of up to 80mph, were recorded in the Republic of Ireland as the storm swept in from the Atlantic on Tuesday 7 December.
People brave the icy waters of the Irtysh River on the opening day of the winter swimming season in Omsk, Russia.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds flowers as she hands over the chancellery to her successor, the newly appointed Olaf Scholz. Merkel stepped down as Chancellor on Wednesday, after 16 years in power, bringing an end to a political career which has spanned more than three decades.
Carolina Hurricanes right wing Sebastian Aho scores a goal against Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom during the overtime period at Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, in Canada.
Skiers dressed as Santa Claus take part in the charity Santa Sunday at Sunday River ski resort in Bethel, Maine.
Sophie Matterson and her five camels arrive at Byron Bay, completing a 5,000km journey coast to coast from Australia's western-most point in Shark Bay, to its eastern-most point in New South Wales.
Sandhurst Academy Adjutant Major Chris Davies rides a horse named Falkland into the Old College building following the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Berkshire.
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