h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Me and my friends here are having a discussion about being able to see the wall from the moon. They say that theres proof that it's possible to see it from the moon, I say that theres proof that it's -not- possible to see it from the moon.

Allthough it's long enough, it's not wide enough! I read somewhere that, yes, astromauts have seen it from space (in the spaceship!), but NOT from the moon... It's kind of obvious if you ask me about this!

Any thoughts and help on this subject is extremely appreciated indeed!

IMO the only time it could even be seen from space is by effect - i.e. if there was a dust storm that it was stopping or something.

Not only is it not wide enough to see from space but it is made from the local material so is the same colour as the mountains upon which it stands.

I don't know if it is in fact possible to see the Great Wall from the moon, but I do know that people have been saying that it is possible since the early years of the 20th century, i.e. before anyone had even visited space, let alone the moon.

It's not even visible on the lovely picture of China taken from a satellite, which shows where the major towns are by the effect of what I suppose are multiple street lights

Ancient wonder it may be - street lit it is not

No, no! Not from the moon - from space! Though you're right, proof about this seems to be a little sketchy.

Anyway, haven't been there yet...