NASA photographs giant eye in the Sahara desert 50 kilometers wide By Maria
3 min read
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A massive circular geological formation in the desert of Saara caught the attention of astronauts aboard Estação Espacial Internacional (ISS). The image captured by Nasa shows Domo of Richat, popularly known as Olho of Saara, located in Mauritânia. The structure is almost 50 kilometers in diameter and is clearly visible from space. Pesquisadores uses these records to understand the evolution of the Earth’s crust in the African region.
The geological phenomenon has intrigued observers for decades due to its almost perfect symmetry and continental dimensions. Embora looks like an asteroid impact crater to the untrained eye, modern science rules this out. Estudos indicate that the origin is purely terrestrial and linked to erosion processes. The record made by the North American space agency reinforces the importance of orbital observation for global geological mapping.
Formação geological result of ancient erosion process
The structure of Richat is a deeply eroded geological dome that exposes layers of sedimentary and igneous rocks. Originalmente, the site was a bulge in the surface caused by the movement of magma that pushed layers of rock upward. Over millions of years, the action of wind and water removed the most fragile parts. What was left were the concentric rings that form the shape of a human eye when viewed from high altitudes.
Rochas of different resistances make up the arid scenario of Mauritânia. The harder layers, such as quartzite, resisted natural wear over time better. Já the softer rocks were swept away, creating depressions that accentuate the visual contrast. The mineralogical variety at the site gives the rings distinctive colors in direct desert sunlight. Especialistas claim that the site functions as an open archive of Terra’s geological history.
Astronautas use the eye as an orbital reference point
Devido to its unique size and shape, Olho of Saara has become an essential geographic landmark for those working in space. Estação Espacial Internacional crew members often use the formation to position themselves during orbits over the African continent. Visibility is so high that the location is easily identified even without the aid of high magnification lenses.
Nasa highlighted some technical features that make this training special:
- Diâmetro approximate total of 48 to 50 linear kilometers.
- Exact Localização on the plateau of Adrar, in the desert of Mauritânia.
- Composição formed by Proterozoic rocks in the center and Paleozoic rocks at the edges.
- Presença of igneous rocks such as rhyolites and gabbros that indicate ancient magmatic activity.
- Ausência impact quartz, which eliminates the space collision theory.
Mitos over Atlântida and impact theories have been ruled out
The site’s geometric precision fueled several alternative theories throughout the 20th century. Alguns enthusiasts suggested that the formation could be the remains of the legendary city of Atlântida described by Platão. The similarity with descriptions of concentric rings of land and water has fueled debate in alternative archeology forums. Entretanto, Archaeological evidence of advanced civilizations has never been found in the center of the dome.
The hypothesis of a meteor impact has also been investigated extensively by field geologists. Impact Crateras feature specific minerals that undergo metamorphism under extreme pressure, something that does not exist in Richat. The flat base of the structure and the arrangement of the rock layers confirm that the lifting was vertical, from bottom to top. Current science classifies the area as a classic example of an eroded anticline.
Space Observação helps monitor climate change
Além of geological interest, Nasa uses photographs from Saara to monitor the advance of desertification. The contrast between the rocky structure and the surrounding shifting sand dunes makes it possible to calculate the speed of the desert’s erosion. High-resolution Imagens captured at different times of the year reveals how dust storms interact with the relief.
Esses data is critical to understanding África’s northern ecosystem. Estação Espacial Internacional passes over the region several times a day, allowing constant surveillance. Cientistas cross-references visual data with thermal sensors to map the heat trapped in the dark rocks at the center of the “eye”. Continuous monitoring helps predict weather patterns that affect not only África, but also nutrient transport across the ocean from Atlântico to Américas.
