Shuttle Radar Sees African Beauty
Thanks to the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), African topography can be studied and understood as never before.

Sahara Desert of Mauritania (photo) – the prominent circular feature, known as the Richat Structure. It’s often noted by astronauts because it forms a conspicuous 30-mile-wide bull’s-eye on the otherwise rather featureless expanse of the desert. Initially mistaken for a possible impact crater, it is now known to be an eroded circular dome of layered sedimentary rocks.

Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (photo) – The city center is located at Table Bay (at the lower left), adjacent to Table Mountain, a 1,086-meter (3,563-foot) tall sandstone and granite natural landmark. This is where I come from! Wow it’s beautiful!