Recently updated on October 1st, 2024 at 12:20 pm
We may be a tiny speck in the universe, but the Earth is still a pretty big place. With massive man-made structures and giant natural wonders, there’s plenty of spectacular sights that can be seen from the space stations orbiting the Earth. From the world’s biggest rivers and mountains to ancient pyramids, we look at the most incredible sights on earth that can be seen from space.
1. The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the most incredible sights on earth. They’re the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and they can also be seen from space. These tombs were created by the Ancient Egyptians some 4,500 years ago, and since then, humans have found a way to view them from outer space.
The pyramids were first photographed in 2001 by NASA astronauts. You can see all three of the pyramids, but the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu is the most impressive. It was built around 2,500 BC and stands at 230 square metres wide and 146 metres high. That’s taller than 29 double-decker buses!
GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Ancient Egypt
2. The Grand Canyon, USA
If you wanted to see all of the Grand Canyon, you would need to hike every inch of this 446 kilometre-long canyon in Arizona. But the astronauts of outer space get to see it all at once! The Grand Canyon is so huge it looks like a winding river from space.
It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and over a billion years old. The canyon attracts millions of visitors each year, and it’s stunning at all angles, whether you take a helicopter tour or hike the bottom of the canyon.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Parks Explorer
3. The Himalayas
The Himalayas are home to Mt Everest, the highest mountain on earth. They’re also made up of 110 other mountains standing at over 7,300 metres – so it’s no wonder you can see the Himalayas from outer space.
The famous mountain range covers around 75% of Nepal and also stretches across China, Bhutan, India and Pakistan. These snowy peaks provide some of the most breathtaking views in the world, but they’re just as beautiful from the cosmos.
GET INSPIRED BY: Golden Triangle and the Tigers of Ranthambore
4. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is another one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World that can be seen from space. The spectacular reef stretches for over 2,600km and is made up of over 900 islands and 2,500 individual reefs.
It’s home to billions of coral polyps and thousands of tropical marine species and is the world’s largest living organism. NASA has shown us that the Great Barrier Reef and its psychedelic colours are just as stunning from outer space.
GET INSPIRED BY: Australian Highlights
5. Amazon River
The Amazon is the second largest river after the Nile, although it’s sometimes considered the longest. It stretches for over 6,400 km through nine countries in South America, with a distance equal to that of Rome to New York City.
It’s so big that even if you zoom out with a camera from outer space, you cannot capture the whole river. Satellite images of the Amazon make it look like a sand-coloured snake against the deep blue and green of the lowland Amazon forest. It’s especially visible when the river floods its tributaries.
GET INSPIRED BY: South America Revealed
6. Palm Island, Dubai
The glitzy city of Dubai is famed for its extravagance – and the Palm Islands certainly live up to the reputation. Lying off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, the Palm Islands are one of the world’s most ambitious engineering projects. They are planned to consist of three artificial islands – Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Deira Island.
Construction began in 2001, but only Palm Jumeirah has been completed and it can already be seen from space. It’s the world’s largest artificial island, built from around 110 million cubic metres of sand. The island is shaped like a palm tree topped with a crescent and it’s believed that the remaining islands will be shaped like the solar system. So the astronauts will be looking at space from space!
7. Ganges River Delta
The world’s largest delta makes for a stunning view from the orbits of Earth. The Ganges stretches for nearly 350 kilometres across India and Bangladesh and is the last remaining habitat of the Bengal tiger. It’s as culturally significant as it is environmentally, and it’s the site of many holy ceremonies and festivals.
The Maha Kumbh Mela festival is held every 12 years and brings millions of people per day to the pilgrimage site in Allahabad. It’s the world’s largest religious festival and is so big that astronauts can see the crowds of people from space.
GET INSPIRED BY: India’s Golden Triangle with Varanasi
8. Greenhouses of AlmerÃa, Spain
Covering almost 30,000 hectares, the Greenhouses of AlmerÃa in Spain are the world’s largest concentration of greenhouses. The sea of plastic greenhouses reflect dazzling sunlight in the daytime and can be seen clearly from space.
They produce nearly 3.5 million tons of fruits and vegetables each year, so if you’ve ever eaten a piece of fruit, chances are it came from AlmerÃa. It’s a shame the astronauts in orbit can’t beam up a tomato or two.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of Spain
9. River Thames, United Kingdom
The River Thames is one of the most famous rivers on earth – and in space. When astronauts glide over London, they can see the iconic river winding through the city.
The Thames has a length of around 14,250 square kilometres and is nearly 29 kilometres at its widest. So whether you take a boat tour along the Thames, or see it from space, this massive river is sure to impress.
GET INSPIRED BY: London Explorer
10. Kennecott Copper Mine, USA
The Kennecott Copper Mine in Utah is one of the largest open-pit mines in the world and is so big it’s visible from space. The mine is over four kilometres wide and 1.2 kilometres high – which is taller than two Empire State buildings stacked on top of each other.
Kennecott has been in operation for over 100 years. It is believed to have produced more copper than any other mine, with an extraordinary 19 million tons. The enormous pit is expected to keep expanding until 2030.
GET INSPIRED BY: Colourful trails of the Southwest
11. Cities at night
The world’s cities illuminated at night make for some truly beautiful satellite images. Astronauts can identify most of the world’s big cities at night, with vast areas of land lit up like a Christmas tree. The artificial lights are so bright, they seem to create their own constellation.
Some of the most visible spots are Belgian highways, with 335,000 lights on 150,000 lampposts, while beloved cities like London, Paris, Tokyo and San Francisco look like a warm orange glow on the earth’s surface.
GET INSPIRED BY: Splendours of Japan
12. Machu Picchu
The ancient city of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andes, offers a breathtaking sight from satellite images, especially during the day. Carved into a mountain ridge and surrounded by lush green peaks, the intricate stone structures stand out against the natural landscape. From above, the city’s terraces, temples, and plazas form a maze of geometric shapes, showing the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Hidden from view in the Urubamba River valley below, it was entirely self-sufficient, with agricultural terraces that provided enough food for its inhabitants and natural springs supplying fresh water. Machu Picchu served as a small, secret ceremonial city spanning 12 square kilometers, perfectly isolated and nestled within the mountains.
The contrast between the ancient ruins and the surrounding wilderness creates an image that feels almost timeless, as if Machu Picchu is frozen in history, high above the modern world.
GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Peru
13. Patagonia, Chile
Chile’s Patagonia region, when viewed from satellite imagery, is a stunning landscape of glaciers, ice fields, and rugged mountains. This ASTER image of the North Patagonia Ice Sheet was captured in May 2000, showcasing this remote beauty. It’s a false-color composite displaying vegetation in vivid red hues, creating a striking contrast against the icy blues of a single large glacier veined with crevasses.
It not only highlights the majesty of Patagonia’s natural features but also serves a vital scientific purpose. Glaciers in this region are sensitive indicators of climate change, responding to shifts in global temperatures. By studying satellite images like this one, scientists can gather critical data to understand warming and cooling trends, contributing valuable insights into our planet’s evolving climate.
GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Patagonia
14. New York, New York
Spanning over 780 square kilometers, New York is a vast urban marvel. Its sprawling boroughs stretch in all directions, and landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty are visible even from above. The city’s rivers, bustling by day, reflect the shimmering lights of its bridges at night, while the grid-like streets offer a clear view of its organized chaos. Seen from the sky, New York stands out as one of the most recognizable cities on earth.
15. Namib Desert, Namibia
The Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts on Earth, offers a stunning sight from space with its vast, golden sand dunes stretching endlessly beneath the clear skies. This ancient desert, believed to be over 55 million years old, is home to a remarkable range of life, despite its harsh conditions. Due to its immense age, the Namib may host more endemic species than possibly any other desert in the world.
While much of the desert’s wildlife consists of hardy arthropods and small creatures adapted to survive on minimal water, the northern regions support larger animals, making the Namib a uniquely diverse ecosystem. From satellite images, the stark contrast between the dry, rolling dunes and the few scattered patches of life tells the story of resilience in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.
GET INSPIRED BY: Namibia Adventure