Earthly Objects That Can Be Seen From Space

Rumor has it that structures like the Egyptian pyramids or Great Wall of China are visible from the Moon, but actual astronauts say otherwise.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Nov 17, 2022 2:20 PMNov 17, 2022 2:22 PM
International Space Station
The city lights of England, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, as seen from the International Space Station on September 15, 2021. (Credit: NASA)

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When famed Star Trek actor William Shatner embarked on a space tourism flight last year, the view brought him to tears. He later described crying while looking back at Earth, as well as a profound sense of grief — as if he had just learned about the death of a loved one. 

Scientists call this feeling the “overview effect.” It happens to astronauts when they look back at Earth and feel an overwhelming connection with the planet and its people.

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