Eye of the Sahara: New ISS photos capture mysterious formation
As it turns out, some things look better from space, although most of us will never have the chance to see them from this perspective. Fortunately, astronauts often share photos of their views, allowing us to admire these extraordinary images. This way, we received new pictures of a mysterious Richat Structure or the "Eye of the Sahara."
The remarkable photos were taken aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on 17 July, 412 kilometres above Earth, when the object was over Mauritania in northwest Africa. It shows the Richat Structure, the "Eye of the Sahara" or Kalb ar-Riszat. It lies in the northern part of the country on the desert plateau of Adrar, about 26 kilometres northeast of Ouadane.
"Eye of the Sahara" seen from space
It is easy to see where this unique geological formation got its name from the ISS. Its shape consists of concentric rings that resemble an eye. It is visible from space because it has a diameter of about 50 kilometres. However, despite its appearance, it does not resemble the gigantic eye of a creature looking into space, as suggested by the film "Eternals."
Initially, it was thought that the "Eye of the Sahara" was formed due to a meteor impact, which led to speculation about its extraterrestrial origin. However, a study from 2014 suggested a different theory – the structure was formed inside the Earth. An intrusion of magma pushed the rocks upwards, creating an elevated dome-shaped anticline.
Another interesting theory (which has not gained much enthusiasm among researchers) connects the existence of the "Eye of the Sahara" with the mysterious Atlantis. This mythical land was supposed to be the home of an advanced civilisation that perished due to numerous earthquakes and flooding by seawater. Some experts believe that the "Eye of the Sahara" and Atlantis are linked by shape and size, as inferred from Plato's writings.
According to the IFL Science Service, volcanic activity in the Sahara created more similar formations. In Chad, a mixture of cinder cones and a layer of natron creates an incredibly realistic appearance of a giant skull.
