The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is a symbol of China’s rich history and culture, and is considered to be one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. For many years, it was believed that the Great Wall was visible from space, but is this really true? In this article, we will explore the truth behind the myth and uncover the facts about the visibility of the Great Wall of China from space.
The Origin of the Myth
The myth that the Great Wall of China is visible from space has been around for centuries. It is believed that the first reference to this myth can be traced back to the writings of William Stukeley, an English archaeologist who lived in the 18th century. In his writings, Stukeley claimed that the Great Wall was so large that it could be seen from the moon.
Over the years, this myth has gained popularity, and many people still believe that the Great Wall is visible from space. However, the truth is that this is nothing more than a myth.
The Reality of the Situation
The reality of the situation is that the Great Wall of China is not visible from space. In fact, to the naked eye, it is not even visible from low Earth orbit. This is because the Great Wall is made up of materials that have a similar color and texture to the surrounding terrain. This means that from a distance, it blends in with the landscape and is virtually invisible.
However, this does not mean that the Great Wall is not an impressive structure. It is over 13,000 miles long and spans across multiple provinces of China. It was built over a period of hundreds of years, starting in the 7th century BC and continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to protect China from invasions and raids by various nomadic groups that lived in the north.
The View from Space
While the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space, it is possible to see it with the help of technology. In fact, there are many satellite images of the Great Wall that have been taken from space. These images show the Great Wall as a thin line that stretches across the landscape, and it is often difficult to distinguish it from other man-made structures in the area.
Some people have also claimed that the Great Wall can be seen from the International Space Station (ISS). However, this is not true. The ISS orbits at an altitude of approximately 250 miles above Earth’s surface, and the Great Wall is simply too small to be visible from that distance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space, despite the popular myth that has been around for centuries. While it is not visible to the naked eye from low Earth orbit, it can be seen in satellite images. The Great Wall is an impressive structure that spans over 13,000 miles and was built over a period of hundreds of years. It is a testament to China’s rich history and culture, and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient architecture and engineering.
