Incredible man-made landmarks that are visible from space
There is no shortage of stunning architectural marvels on Earth. In fact, some outstanding examples of innovative engineering are even visible from outer space! Despite progress, space tourism is still very much in its infancy. So, only some talented individuals, including the UAE’s very own Hazza Al Mansouri, have had the unique experience of seeing how our planet looks from the cosmos. Have you ever wondered which man-made structures visible from space? Read on to discover more about these incredible feats of construction!
ICONIC MAN-MADE STRUCTURES VISIBLE FROM SPACE
Multiple astronauts, most en route to the International Space Station, have captured awesome photos of Earth and shared them with the world. Many of these breathtaking images clearly show landmarks visible from space. We may be just a tiny atom of the potentially infinite universe. Still, our planet has so many awe-inspiring wonders (artificial and natural) that can be seen from a spacecraft orbiting the Earth.
So, what man-made structures are visible from space? Without further ado, let’s move onto the list of Earth’s most incredible man-made landmarks that austronauts can spot.
PALM ISLANDS, DUBAI
The glitzy city of Dubai is known for its luxury, extravagance, and some of the most ambitious projects the world has ever seen. One of the most impressive among the growing list of UAE’s architectural wonders is Nakheel’s Palm Islands.
The spectacular Palm Islands consist of the famous Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali project, which is under construction, and the planned third island, Palm Deira — expected to be the largest of the three. The World Islands by Nakheel, a collection of 300 islands shaped like the world’s continents, is also located close to Palm Jumeirah. Astronauts can quickly identify the Palm Islands because of their distinctive shape. These man-made islands in Dubai, resembling a palm tree, are truly an impressive feat of engineering.
THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Well, there has been some confusion and controversy about the validity of this claim. There’s a common myth that the Great Wall of China is not a landmark visible from space. However, NASA has clarified that a small section of the wall is indeed visible, given the right conditions, and we now have the photographic evidence! It is said that when the image below was captured, it had recently snowed. Hence the wall became distinguishable from its surroundings for a limited time.
So, now you have a definitive answer to the burning question – can the Great Wall be seen from space?
THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF GIZA
The Great Pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World, are amongst the landmarks visible from space. The tombs created almost 4,500 years ago are one of the most recognisable monuments on Earth. So, it’s not surprising that astronauts love to view them from orbit.
NASA astronauts first shared ‘taken from space’ photographs of these wonders back in 2001. The naked eye can see all three pyramids, but the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu stands out.
GREENHOUSES OF ALMERÍA, SPAIN
The Greenhouses of Almeria Spain spanning 30,000 hectares are the planet’s largest concentration of greenhouses in one area. These farms annually turn out more than three and a half million tons of fresh produce, including vegetables and fruits. Perhaps looking at this epic sea of greenhouses from space reminds astronauts of the simple pleasures of their home planet, like being able to pluck food off plants.
KENNECOTT COPPER MINE, USA
The Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah, also known as the Bingham Canyon Mine, is one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. So it is definitely among the man-made structures visible from space. This pit has been operational for more than a century and has produced more copper than any other mine in the world – a whopping 20 million tons!
CITIES AT NIGHT
Night-time lights across the globe make for some genuinely stunning satellite images. It is rumoured that astronauts could make a ballpark estimate of the population of major cities around the world based on the amount of light emanating from them. The glowing lights in sprawling metropolises like London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai are so bright that they create their unique constellations. Check out the video below to see for yourself!
ROADS AND BRIDGES
According to astronauts, lonely desert roads and epic man-made bridges are the most visible landmarks from space. San Francisco’s Bay Area with its intertwining network of bridges, is particularly recognisable from orbit.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS BURJ KHALIFA AMONGST THE MAN-MADE STRUCTURES VISIBLE FROM THE SPACE?
Is Burj Khalifa visible from space? When asked to name the famous man-made structures visible from space, many instantly think of this architectural marvel.
While Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at the time of writing, it is unfortunately not amongst the man-made structures visible from space.
WHAT NATURAL WONDERS CAN BE SEEN FROM SPACE?
Many of Earth’s most spectacular natural wonders are visible from the cosmos, including the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, the Amazon River, the Himalayas, and the Ganges River Delta.
HOW IS THE UAE CONTRIBUTING TO FUTURE SPACE EXPLORATION?
Scientists at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre are making tremendous progress on their mission to achieve the goals outlined in the UAE’s Space Program. In a few years, a tour to space from the UAE may not be as far fetched an idea.
You can also find a UAE National taking the next iconic image from space. The UAE Astronaut Program is offering a unique opportunity to become an astronaut! Who knows, you could be that ‘astronaut in waiting’ whose destiny is to make a life-changing journey to infinity and beyond — just like Hazza Al Mansouri or the Arab world’s first female astronaut Nora Al Matrooshi.
The United Arab Emirates is well on its way to explore the universe’s secrets. Progress can be seen in Dubai, that recently hosted the 72nd International Astronautical Congress.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT SPACE?
If you plan to visit Expo 2020, here is a list of space theme attractions that you can explore.
Well, that wraps up the list of landmarks visible from space. So, now, if someone asks to name a famous man-made structure visible from space, you will have an answer!
Given the huge number of spectacular upcoming projects, we wonder which other landmarks in Dubai will soon be visible from space.
Featured Image Credit: NASA
