What's Hidden Under The Sand of Sahara ? | Secrets of African Sahara

 

One Over the Sahara Desert in 1965

In 1965, a spacecraft was passing over the Sahara Desert. Two astronauts were aboard, gazing down at the ground with great surprise. What they saw was extraordinary—a massive, eye-like structure in the middle of the desert. This discovery left astronauts James McDavid and Edward White bewildered as they studied the sand below.

A Mysterious Eye

A huge human-like shape was visible in the desert, with a surprising eye-like structure in the middle. The "pupil" of this eye was perfectly round and could be seen clearly from space. This unique and mysterious formation, known as the Eye of the Sahara or the Richat Structure, measures 265 km in length and 70 km in width, covering a total area larger than 18,500 sq km. This space includes enough room for 30 cities the size of Mumbai or Karachi. The pupil alone has a diameter of 40 km.

Geological Enigma

Despite its striking appearance, this structure is not the result of a massive asteroid impact. Scientists have found no evidence of such an impact, leaving the scientific community puzzled. This perfectly round structure, visible only from space, continues to intrigue researchers.

Atlantis Connection

Historians and researchers have noted similarities between the Eye of the Sahara and descriptions of the lost city of Atlantis. Greek historian Herodotus and Roman geographer Pomponius Mela both made world maps that place Atlantis in what is now the location of the Richat Structure. These maps depict a city with ring-shaped formations, much like the eye-like structure in the Sahara.

Geological and Historical Significance

The Richat Structure, with its massive rings, is so large that it is not immediately apparent to someone standing within it. Archaeologists have found no evidence of human civilization dating back 12,000 years in this area. However, the Sahara Desert itself holds many secrets, with its vast expanse hiding ancient structures and remnants of past civilizations.

The Sahara's Ancient Past

The Sahara Desert, covering 9 million square kilometers, is larger than the entire United States or Europe. It spans 11 countries and continues to expand. Surprisingly, the Sahara was not always a desert; it was once covered in lush greenery. About 250 million years ago, this area was part of the Tethys Ocean. The receding ocean left behind limestone, which wind erosion eventually turned into sand.

The Sahara's Changing Climate

During the last ice age, the Sahara experienced much wetter and greener conditions. This period, known as the African Humid Period, saw the Sahara teeming with life, including large lakes and abundant vegetation. Evidence of this greener past is found in fossils of plants and animals that could not survive in the current harsh conditions.

The Nile River's Journey

The Nile River, one of the world's longest rivers, flows from Uganda through the Sahara to the Mediterranean Sea. Ancient Egyptians revered the Nile as a sacred river, unaware of its source. Modern expeditions have traced the Nile's origins, discovering its extensive journey through 11 countries.

Ancient Civilizations

Africa is often considered the cradle of humanity. The oldest human skeletons, such as the one found in Ethiopia, date back 3.2 million years. The Sahara Desert has also revealed rock art depicting cattle, indicating a time when the region supported human life and agriculture.

The White Desert

The White Desert in Egypt, with its white sand and limestone formations, provides a stark contrast to the rest of the Sahara. These formations were once part of the ocean floor, shaped by wind erosion over millions of years.

Sahara's Global Impact

The Sahara's sand plays a crucial role in global ecosystems. Winds carry millions of tons of sand across the Atlantic Ocean to the Amazon Rainforest, providing essential phosphorus that sustains the forest's growth.

Surprising Facts

While the Sahara is often considered the world's largest desert, it is actually the third largest, after Antarctica and the Arctic. However, it is the world's largest hot desert. The Sahara's dunes can reach heights of 180 meters, and its highest point, Mount Koussi, stands at 3,415 meters. Despite its extreme heat, the Sahara occasionally experiences snowfall, with temperatures dropping to -6 degrees Celsius.

Conclusion

The Sahara Desert, with its vast expanse and hidden secrets, continues to captivate scientists and explorers. From ancient civilizations to unique geological formations, the Sahara remains a place of mystery and wonder.