Introduction
Since ancient times, humans have dreamed of flying into space and seeing the Earth from above. Today astronauts and satellites regularly send back images revealing incredible structures — both man-made and natural. Some of them are even said to be visible from the Moon. While that claim is often exaggerated, their size and scale are truly awe-inspiring.
Great Wall of China
One of the most famous man-made structures in the world and the longest defensive system on Earth, stretching about 21196 kilometers across mountains, deserts, and grasslands of northern China. Construction began as early as the 3rd century BC under Emperor Qin Shi Huang and was largely completed by the 17th century during the Ming Dynasty. Despite the common myth, the Wall is not visible to the naked eye from the Moon, but certain sections can be seen from orbit under favorable conditions. Its vastness attracts millions of tourists each year.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering about 9200000 square kilometers. It dominates much of North Africa and appears from space as a massive yellow-orange expanse. From orbit, its dunes, oases, and unique geological feature — the Richat Structure, or “Eye of the Sahara” — stand out clearly, captivating astronauts viewing Earth.
Amazon River Delta
The Amazon is the most voluminous river on Earth. Its delta in the Atlantic Ocean is so vast that it forms a complex network of channels and islands spreading over more than 100000 square kilometers. The Amazon rainforest produces a significant share of the planet’s oxygen, and from orbit, the delta appears as a bright green carpet contrasting with the deep blue of the ocean.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The second largest ice sheet on the planet after Antarctica, covering more than 1700000 square kilometers. From space, Greenland appears as a gigantic white island. In some places, the ice thickness exceeds 3000 meters. This destination attracts scientists, extreme adventurers, and photographers eager to witness the northern lights.
Grand Canyon
One of the deepest and longest canyons in the world, located in the state of Arizona, USA. It spans about 446 kilometers in length and reaches depths of up to 1800 meters. From orbit, it appears as a dark winding line cutting through desert plateaus. The Grand Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws millions of tourists and researchers every year.
These landmarks symbolize the immense scale of nature and human capability. Visible even from the heights of space, they remind us of the vastness and diversity of our planet and inspire journeys to witness them firsthand.