Fact Check: The Great Wall of China is visible from space

Fact-Check: "The Great Wall of China is visible from space"

What We Know

The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space has been a long-standing myth, often perpetuated by popular culture. The origins of this belief can be traced back to various sources, including astronauts and books. However, several credible sources have debunked this myth.

1. Astronaut Testimonies: Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei stated that he could not see the Great Wall during his spaceflight in 2003, contradicting the popular belief that it is visible from space (López-Gil, 2008). Similarly, NASA has confirmed that the wall is not visible from the moon and is difficult to see from Earth orbit without high-powered lenses (NASA).

2. Visual Limitations: The Great Wall's width is typically less than 6 meters (about 20 feet), which is too narrow to be distinguished from space with the naked eye. According to studies, even under optimal conditions, the wall would appear no larger than a human hair when viewed from a distance of 3 kilometers (Dowson, 2023).

3. Scientific Consensus: A 2008 article in Scientific American noted that while the Great Wall may be visible from low Earth orbit under specific conditions, it is not visible to the naked eye and requires magnification (Scientific American). This aligns with findings from various scientific studies that highlight the limitations of human vision and atmospheric conditions (López-Gil, 2008; Truth or Fake).

Analysis

The evidence against the claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is robust and comes from multiple reliable sources.

• Credibility of Sources: The primary sources of information include scientific studies, NASA's official statements, and testimonies from astronauts. NASA is a highly credible organization with a long history of space exploration, and their findings are based on empirical evidence. Similarly, the studies conducted by researchers like Norberto López-Gil provide a scientific basis for understanding human visual limitations.

• Contradicting Claims: Some claims have emerged suggesting that under certain conditions, parts of the Great Wall could be seen from space. However, these claims often lack empirical support and are contradicted by more authoritative sources. For instance, while some photographs may show sections of the wall, they are taken with high-powered lenses and under specific lighting conditions, which do not represent visibility to the naked eye (NASA; Snopes).

• Myth Origins: The myth has historical roots, dating back to the 18th century, but has been perpetuated through repetition in popular culture. The persistence of this myth despite scientific evidence suggests a disconnect between public perception and factual reality (Dowson, 2023; Discover Wild Science).

Conclusion

The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is False. The evidence clearly indicates that due to the wall's narrow width and the limitations of human vision, it cannot be seen from space without the aid of high-powered lenses. Both astronaut testimonies and scientific studies support this conclusion, debunking a myth that has persisted for decades.

Sources

1. Is it Really Possible to See the Great Wall of China from Space?
2. Great Wall - NASA
3. Can You See the Great Wall of China from Space?
4. Is the Great Wall of China Visible from the Moon?
5. Fact Check: The Great Wall of China is visible from space
6. Is China's Great Wall Visible from Space?
7. Can You Really See the Great Wall From Space? Busted!
8. Fact or Fiction: The Great Wall of China Is Visible From Space?