What's Really Visible from Space: space.com

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SUMMARY

The discussion debunks the myth that the Great Wall of China is the only manmade object visible from space, emphasizing that numerous human constructs can be observed from Earth orbit. Participants referenced Microsoft's Teradata database, which provided aerial views of the entire United States and much of the world, allowing users to see detailed images of their cities and homes. The visibility of objects from space varies significantly based on altitude, with higher elevations revealing more details.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Earth orbit and visibility factors
  • Familiarity with aerial imaging technology
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Teradata database functionalities
  • Basic concepts of space observation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the capabilities of aerial imaging technologies like Microsoft Teradata
  • Explore the physics of visibility from different altitudes in space
  • Investigate other manmade structures visible from space
  • Learn about satellite imaging and its applications in geography
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace enthusiasts, geographers, urban planners, and anyone interested in the visibility of manmade structures from space.

Ivan Seeking
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There is a longstanding myth that the Great Wall of China is the only manmade object visible from space. It and several variations on the theme are great fodder for water cooler arguments. In reality, many human constructs can be seen from Earth orbit.

http://space.com/scienceastronomy/visible_from_space_031006.html
 
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this is cool. About 5 years back microsoft created the terradata.com database with arial views of the entire US and most of the world that you could pull up and view. not sure if it still exists, but it was pretty cool- I was able to pull up my city and basically see my house-from a few years back.
 
what I've heard is that the Great Wall was visible from the moon.
(although never found a picture to confirm this...)

Evidently there are a lot of things visible from space. Depends how high you are...:smile:
 

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