The insane 25-mile structure in Africa that can be seen from space | World | News
A massive circular structure in the Sahara Desert has puzzled scientists for decades. Spanning 25 miles, it is so large that it can be seen from space.
It is known as the Richat Structure, or the Eye of the Sahara, and is one of Africa’s most unusual natural formations.
The structure is located in Mauritania’s Adrar Plateau and consists of a series of rings that resemble a giant bullseye in the desert.
The structure was first thought to be an impact crater, but scientists later found that it formed through natural geological processes over millions of years.
The Eye of the Sahara is made up of layers of rock that have been exposed by erosion. The outer rings consist of harder rock, while the inner layers eroded more quickly, creating its distinctive circular shape.
Researchers believe that the structure was once a geological dome that gradually collapsed over time.
The experts also say that the formation provides insight into Earth’s history. Its exposed rock layers date back hundreds of millions of years and show evidence that the Sahara was once covered by rivers and lakes.
What’s more, archaeologists have found ancient stone tools nearby, suggesting early humans once lived in the area.
The structure’s unusual appearance has led to various theories over the years. Some believed it was a meteorite impact site, while others thought it was an extinct volcano.
However, studies have ruled out these theories, confirming that it was created by natural forces, including erosion and underground magmatic activity.
No matter how it was created, the Richat Structure is so large that astronauts use it as a landmark when flying over the Sahara.
It was first photographed from space during NASA’s Gemini IV mission in 1965, and it has since been captured in many satellite images.
Despite its remote location, the Eye of the Sahara attracts visitors who want to see the formation up close.
However, the desert conditions make access difficult, and the nearest town, Ouadane, is about 19 miles away.
