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 is a popular myth. This belief has been perpetuated in various forms of media, including books and television. However, evidence from astronauts and scientific analysis contradicts this claim. According to NASA, the Great Wall is not visible from the Moon and is difficult or impossible to see from Earth orbit without high-powered lenses. This is supported by Scientific American, which states that despite its length, the Wall is not as visible from orbit as other modern structures.

In October 2003, Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei reported that he could not see the Great Wall from space, a statement that challenged the popular belief (PMC). Furthermore, the Britannica notes that due to its coloration and the surrounding environment, the Wall is only sometimes visible from low Earth orbit and the International Space Station.

Analysis

The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. The Scientific American article highlights that even with the aid of an 800mm super telephoto lens, the Wall is not easily discernible. This indicates that any visibility claims are likely due to optical aids rather than natural sight.

The reliability of the sources is high. NASA is a reputable space agency with direct experience and expertise in space observations. Scientific American and Britannica are well-regarded publications known for their factual reporting and scientific accuracy. The PMC article provides a detailed scientific explanation of why the Wall cannot be seen, citing the limitations of human visual acuity and the physical characteristics of the Wall itself.

Conclusion

The claim that the Great Wall of China is visible from space is False. Multiple credible sources, including NASA and Scientific American, confirm that the Wall is not visible from space without the use of optical aids. The myth likely persists due to its appeal and historical propagation, but scientific evidence does not support it.