2009 in images:
Visuals from around the world

Conflict and climate change dominated the world stage in 2009 as this compilation of images from across the globe shows.

A 45-minute time exposure made for circular star tracks is seen over this run-down barn along County Road A near Iron River, Wisconsin, Sunday night, Feb. 15, 2009. During the time exposure, the barn was lit with a battery powered spotlight using a technique called light painting.