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Debunked Myths: Famous Beliefs the World Got Wrong —
#138 —
The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space
The belief that the Great Wall of China is visible from space with the naked eye is a well-known geographical myth. It is often taught in schools and repeated in popular culture as proof of the wall’s massive size. However, astronauts and space agencies have repeatedly confirmed that this claim is incorrect.
From low Earth orbit, the Great Wall is usually indistinguishable from its surroundings. Its color and materials closely match the natural landscape, causing it to blend in rather than stand out. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have stated that they cannot see the wall without aid under normal conditions. In contrast, cities, highways at night, and airports are far more visible due to lighting and contrast.
The myth likely originated before space travel, when people assumed that a structure so long must be visible from space. Modern observations clearly show this is not true.
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