Eye of Africa: Astronaut snaps bizarre Sahara desert formation (PHOTOS)
A stunning image showing off the wondrous spirals of the ‘Eye of Africa’, also known as the Richat structure, has been captured by French ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The incredible structure, located in the Sahara desert in Mauritania, has a diameter of 50km (31 miles) and was originally thought to be a meteorite-impact crater. Scientists now believe, however, it was formed through erosion.
The “eye of Africa” – AKA Richat Structure, a striking landmark from space #Sahara. https://t.co/4AgCc3tHvt#Proximapic.twitter.com/18TwpxsWvk
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) December 17, 2016
The phenomenal circular feature has long been a favorite among space photographers.
The Eye of Africa - NASA's Incredible Shot Of The Sahara Desert From Space. pic.twitter.com/b0A8EWGcMs
— Travel Scenes ✈️ (@TheWorldStories) January 9, 2014
RICHAT STRUCTURE - EYE OF AFRICA
— zlatka koynova Ptolm (@zlatkakoynova) April 16, 2016
It was first observed from space by Gemini IV astronauts in 1965#amazing#Eyespic.twitter.com/bsnHX0nxsA
#Eye of the #Sahara, also eye of #Africa, found in #Mauretania - #seen from #Space, pic from http://t.co/BhwXtZqdAapic.twitter.com/A3jkCz7MzG
— ★Granite☆Stone☆Head★ (@Mariamiseria) February 5, 2014
READ MORE: Space Odyssey: Tim Peake’s most spellbinding pictures from the ISS so far (PHOTOS)
Pesquet arrived at the ISS in November as part of the six-month, Expedition 50 mission, and has already shared some spectacular pictures of his view from space.
Africa has so many wonders that 6 months probably won’t be enough to photograph everything!! https://t.co/cBdiBBLm9d#Proximapic.twitter.com/OVc8chTWE9
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) December 18, 2016
The sandy dunes of Namibia seem to flow straight into the Atlantic ocean https://t.co/Lh5FzOuJOw#Proximapic.twitter.com/rsduMKjPRN
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) December 18, 2016
I’ve always wanted to go to the Galapagos islands, but never managed. As a consolation prize, I saw them from space today #Proximapic.twitter.com/VsDeaTmG2a
— Thomas Pesquet (@Thom_astro) December 16, 2016
