Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – There are a number of buildings on Earth that astronauts are said to be able to see directly from space. In fact, some can be seen without the aid of any lenses, or only with the naked eye.
But first equate the definition of Earth’s atmosphere ends and space begins. Namely through the Karman Line, named after physicist Theodore von Karman, which is considered the boundary between the ends of Earth and outer space. Space notes the definition of the Karman Line is 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Uniquely, the Great Wall of China, which is often said to be visible from space, is so long that it is not included in the structure that astronauts can see from outside the atmosphere.
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Former ISS Commander Chris Hadfield confirmed this and said in he tweeted buildings “too narrow + follows natural contours & colors” geography.
The Structure of the Earth Seen from Space
So what can be seen from that distance? Here’s the list, quoted Monday (25/7/2022):
1. Bingham Canyon Mine
The mine site is approximately 32 km southeast of Salt Lake City. The mine is so large that it can be seen not only from the unaided Karman Line but also from the NASA space shuttle flying between 305-531 km above sea level.
2. Three Gorges Dam
The dam that stretches across China’s Yangtze River is revealed by NASA that can be seen from space. It is 185 meters high and over 2 km long, reports say France 24.
The dam is the world’s largest electricity-producing facility. The Three Gorges Dam is said to be the most expensive hydroelectric dam ever built.
3. Palm Jumeirah Dubai
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Photo: Villas on the midrib of Jumeirah Palm Island in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as seen from the observation deck of The View at The Palm Jumeirah (6/4/2021). (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)- – |
The stretch of artificial island that NASA claims can be seen from the Karman Line. Even the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts can see clearly using an 800mm lens.
For information, the ISS orbits with an average altitude of 400 km above sea level.
4. Streets in Barren Areas
Hadfield said some of the highways could be seen directly from space. Especially those that pass through barren areas such as deserts and depend on conditions and light.
5. The Dark Pyramid
 Photo: Egyptian pyramids illuminated by lights thanking medical personnel fighting the Corona Covid-19 virus (AP/Nariman El-Mofty)-– |
Especially for the Pyramids of Giza there is a debate whether or not it can be seen from space. British astronaut Tim Peake said he couldn’t but the massive structure could be seen clearly through an 800mm lens.
Meanwhile, former NASA astronaut and ISS commander Leroy Chiao said he could see the pyramids while in orbit. “There’s a lot to see from the ISS, even with the naked eye,” he said.
“For example, once found a large pyramid with telephoto and could select two large ones with the naked eye, as long as lighting and weather conditions are good, as two small dots”.
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