6: The Great Wall of China Is Visible from Space

This episode debunks one of the most popular myths in pop culture: the belief that the Great Wall of China is the only man-made object visible from space. We explore how this misconception began—dating back to the 18th century—and how it spread through textbooks, media, and romanticized storytelling. In reality, astronauts and NASA confirm that the Great Wall is not visible to the naked eye from space due to its narrow width and color blending with the natural landscape. Instead, city lights, airports, and large dams are more easily visible from orbit. The episode highlights the importance of verifying information and being cautious of “facts” that sound impressive but are actually false.