Mysterious Geological Structure Photographed From The ISS
There’s something strange lurking in the depths of the Sahara desert. Dubbed the Richat structure (or the far-cooler nickname, “The Eye of the Sahara”), the circular structure is massive, with a diameter of 40 km. Since most of us will never get the chance to fly over the top of the sucker, check out this gorgeous shot of the Richat structure, photographed by Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers from the ISS this past March.
Space.com explains that the Richat is located in the West African country of Mauritania, and geologists are still debating about the specifics of how the enormous, striated structure was formed. They have, however, ruled out the explanation that might occur to a layman: an impact crater. That was the initial assumption when the structure was first discovered, but tests at the site have ruled that possibility out. Instead it is believed to be “a highly symmetrical and deeply eroded geologic dome.” (via Wikipedia)
Now, I may not be a geologist, but I think I can definitively state that the Richat structure is totally concealing an ancient alien mothership, just waiting to be powered up. Watch the skies, people! Also, I will be selling tinfoil hats for very reasonable prices.
Here’s another look at the Eye of the Sahara, via Google Earth.
