If you’ve heard that you can see the Great Wall of China from space, I hate to break it to you, but that’s a big lie. However, there are many amazing things you can see from space. Check out these images from satellites and the International Space Station (ISS)!
1. Great Barrier Reef
The 2253 km long reef on the northeast coast of Australia is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This underwater sanctuary is home to thousands of different marine species, including humpback whales. Viewing it from space allows us to see our planet like we’ve never seen before.
2. Cyclone
The ISS monitors weather conditions around the world to ensure that all countries are prepared for potential disasters. In particular, the ISS monitors cyclones. This type of tropical storm requires a lot of heat, so they only occur where the ocean temperature is above 26°C.
3. Palm Islands
Construction of these massive man-made islands began 20 years ago off the coast of Dubai. About 110 million cubic meters of sand were used to create the Palm Jumeirah archipelago. Nearby are islands that look like a world map, and rumor has it that they are working on creating more that resemble the solar system. If this happens, Uranus will be visible from space!
4. Pyramids of Giza
With an area of 230 square meters and a height of 146 meters, it is no wonder that the Great Pyramids of Egypt can be seen from space! For nearly 5,000 years they have stood there in complete peace. The Great Pyramid was built by Pharaoh Cheops around 2,500 BC.
5. River Thames
Whenever the ISS flies over London at night, you can see exactly where the River Thames flows, thanks to all the lights that illuminate its banks. In fact, most major cities around the world can be seen from the station at night as well, and each illuminated city is more beautiful than the last.
6. The Himalayas
You can see many mountain ranges from orbit, but perhaps the most impressive is the Himalayas. They occupy about 75% of Nepal’s land area and have the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest. Fun fact: Everest has different names – in Nepali, it is Sagarmatha, and in Tibetan – Jomolungma.
7. Greenhouses in Almeria
In this 350 square kilometer sea of plastic, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are grown every year. According to official reports, 70% of tomatoes exported to the EU come from Almeria and Granada. You can make a huge bowl of salad out of all these vegetables, and it can even be seen from the ISS.
8. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is impressive up close, but if you want to see it all, you’ll have to go into space. This natural wonder is located in Arizona and due to its size it can easily be seen from the ISS. The giant rift in the land runs for about 446 kilometers.
9. Amazon River
Many people argue about where the Amazon actually begins and ends – but its length is at least 6,437 kilometers. It was a direct flight from Manchester, England to Lahore, Pakistan. Also, a fun fact, but about 130 million years ago, this river flowed in the opposite direction.
