The world has been mesmerized by the pictures from above as seen on Google Earth. We have picked ten great locations, that look so mysterious from the space and compared them to how they look from the ground. Take a look at the results.
10. Homebush Bay, Sydney, Australia
On the west side of Sydney there is a 102 year old ship, which has turned into what is now known as a Floating Forest. Homebush Bay is a place where the old ships end up. This one – previously a transport ship – was supposed to be dismantled, but ended up becoming a famous attraction instead. During years the bushes and other plants overgrown the ship. It was discovered recently after the attempts to clean the bay.
Why to go there?
The Floating Forest has become a favorite site for photographers, who popularized it online.
9. Aral Sea, Uzbekistan
Once one of the four largest lakes in the world, today Aral has shrunken tremendously since the Soviets diverted rivers, that used to feed the lake. Deserted flats of the terrain are present, where once used to be water. Several shipwrecks can be approached here. Only a small strip of water is left in the Western part of the country.
Why to go there?
Visit the residue of the lake until it has completely evaporated. That is also a frightening example of nature suffering from human activities.
8. Barringer Meteor Crater, Arizona, USA
The site features the best preserved meteorite impact in the world, that was created around 49 000 years ago. This crater is one mile long across, 2.4 miles long in circumference and more than 550 feet deep! And since this is the US visitors get to approach it via the comfortable trails, from an air conditioned viewpoints indoors, have an entrance to Interactive Discovery Center, unique gift and rock shop as well as tourist information center.
Why to go there?
Arizona features amazing geological versatility, from canyons, deserts as well as this meteorite site. A great place to learn about our planet and geological processes.
7. Ayamonte, Spain
Posited on the banks of the Guadiana river, that plows the terrain of the region and that you can see clearly from above, Ayamonte is a quiet fishing village found on the border with Portugal. The ruins of ancient Roman castle still rests on the top of the hill and overlooks the town. The beaches of Canela and Moral are popular among the bathers in summer.
Why to go there?
The town has some interesting historic architecture from the Roman and Medieval times. Also it is surrounded with salt marches, that boast a rich wild life, which features herons and even flamingos.
6. Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
The sandstone rock is one of the most famous attractions in Australia. The symbolical meaning of the large formation is as impressive as it is itself. Uluru is 348 m (1,142 ft) high, its circumference is 9.4 km (5.8 mi). The inselberg is believed to be sacred by Aboriginal people. They believe that the spirits still live in the area. They are accompanied by the unique animal species, that live here.
Why to go there?
Many tourists visit the spot. The most popular activity is, of course, climbing Uluru. However, the proposition to ban the activity has been considered lately. Therefore, it might be a good idea to hurry up and visit Uluru now.
5. The Desert Breath, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
The Red Sea is known for being one of the best places in the world to go diving. The colorful marine life is overwhelming. Meanwhile further away from the sea there is a desert plain, which is rich with minerals and oil. The Desert Breath is an art, made by the D.A.ST. Arteam in 1997 to draw attention to environmental problems.
Why to go there?
The coast of the Red Sea boasts a variety of resorts; one of the most popular coastal towns being Hurghada. The art installation can be visited or approached from a plane.
4. Nazca Lines, Nazca, Peru
Settled on the southern coast of the country, Nazca fascinates with its vast valleys and the most enigmatic phenomena in the world – the famous Nazca Lines. The advanced Nazca culture existed between 100 BC and AD 800. Ruins of the ceremonial city of Cahuachi and developed underground aqueducts are also a testament of this progressive culture. Figures of lizards, hummingbirds, monkeys, spiders, fish, orcas, sharks and other were created by removing a layer of pebbles from the surface in the Nazca Desert.
Why to go there?
The purpose of such a unique creation is in dispute. Scientists think that it served for the religious and astronomical reasons. Today travel agencies offer flights over the Nazca Lines, that can be admired from the air only.
3. Lakes in the Great Sandy Desert, Australia
Located in Western Australia, the desert covers hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. However, sometimes the bleak sandy landscape is being intercepted by the groups of lakes, that huddle together. It creates a truly fascinating site from space, while back on Earth it allows people and vegetation to flourish.
Why to go there?
A few famous features are found on the desert, including Ayers Rock, or Uluru, Wolfe Creek Crater, Kata Tjuta red rock towers, sandy dunes of Ergs and an overall unearthly landscape.
2. The Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming, USA
The biggest hot spring in the country is 370 ft wide and is found in Yellowstone National Park. It got its name due to the vibrant iridescent colors, that match those of a rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green and blue. The effect is caused by bacteria. Namely the colorful rings of the spring make it so exceptionally attractive.
Why to go there?
It is the third largest hot spring in the world and indeed impressive. There is a hiking trail, which enables to observe the spring in close vicinity, while from the top of the hill a great aerial view opens.
1. Waw an Namus, Libya
This is an indeed unique natural wonder found in the center of the Sahara Desert. The whole area is a volcanic field, that extends 10–20 km (6,2–12,4 mi), making it visible from space. In the middle of it there is a caldera and a cone. Moreover there are three saline lakes, that create a lush oasis. For centuries it has been an important stop for the caravans, that would refill their water supplies. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
Why to go there?
Visitors are mesmerized by the beauty of Waw an Namus: the caldera is about 100 m (330 ft) deep and features colorful lakes, reeds and of course date palms, that enhance the overall impression.
