Google Earth has bestowed upon us a unique perspective of the world, a view that was once a rarity even just a decade ago. With this powerful tool, we can now explore the globe from the comfort of our homes.
This convenience comes in handy, especially considering how intimidating the world can be at times. In fact, the proof lies right within the images captured on Google Earth!
1. Google Earth will take you right to the edge of a boiling cauldron of lava.
You can almost feel the heat! This volcano is on an island in the Vanuatu chain in the South Pacific.
2. This mysterious triangle in the Nevada desert.
Meanwhile, in the vicinity of Nevada, an intriguing discovery awaits— a mysterious triangle adorned with a series of circles etched into the desert terrain. The enigmatic nature of this formation has sparked various speculations. While some entertain the idea of extraterrestrial involvement, others propose more mundane explanations, such as it being a former bomb testing site or an abandoned airstrip.
3. Lots of people will mug for the camera or play out scenes for the Google car, but this doesn’t look staged at all.
Regardless of the legality or moral implications of carrying a rifle in public spaces in Russia, an incident occurred where an individual was spotted roaming the streets with a rifle in hand.
4. A 1200 foot Pentagram in Kazakhstan.
The enigmatic presence of a meticulously etched five-pointed star on the Earth’s surface remains a puzzle yet to be solved, as no one has been able to provide a convincing explanation regarding its origin or the manner in which it was created.
5. The way the cliffs along this stretch of coastline are shaded make it look like the ocean is about to come pouring onto land.
6. Ever wondered what it’s like to be behind a jet when it powers its engines up? Wonder no more.
Through this satellite view, the intricate interplay of forces at play in this location is visually and vividly demonstrated, offering a clear and detailed understanding of the underlying dynamics.
7. Google Earth managed to catch this raging field fire in Arkansas on its camera, too.
According to a Reddit user’s comment, it is likely that the fire in the area is under control, considering the presence of people on the south side. However, even with this information, the spectacle remains captivating and impressive to behold.
8. Can you spy the Coca-Cola sign in this desert in Chile?
Indeed, product placement seems to have reached new heights with the discovery of a Coca-Cola logo artfully etched onto a hillside in Chile, as evident from the coordinates -18.529211, -70.249941. The audacity of this advertising venture is further reinforced by on-the-ground pictures, leaving a lasting impression of this creative marketing approach.
9. Google Earth also has an image of Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks.
Google Earth provides a fascinating amalgamation of historical photographs paired with present-day satellite images, offering a unique glimpse into the past. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that some of these historical snapshots may not depict pleasant or uplifting moments from our history. They serve as poignant reminders of the complexities and challenges that humanity has faced throughout time.
10. Also in Japan, this shrinking village is slowly being ‘repopulated’ with life-size dolls.
The remarkable initiative of Ayano Tsukimi stands out as she has single-handedly created 350 dolls scattered throughout the village. These dolls serve as poignant replacements for the people who have either passed away or left the village over the course of her life. Ayano’s heartfelt endeavor has become a unique and touching way to preserve the memory of those who were once part of the community.
11. This shipwreck is known as the “floating forest.”
Australia decided to retire the SS Ayrfield in the 1970s after it had served as a supply ship during World War II. However, this retired vessel found a surprising new lease on life as trees and vegetation took root within its hull, transforming it into a captivating tourist attraction. The sight of the SS Ayrfield adorned with flourishing greenery has become a unique and popular destination for visitors.
12. There is a blood-red lake just outside of Sadr City in Iraq that can be seen from Google Earth.
As of now, no satisfactory explanation has been provided to elucidate the reason behind the peculiar coloration of the lake. The enigmatic hue remains a mystery, leaving researchers and curious observers intrigued and in search of answers.
13. The wreckage of the Costa Concordia and the salvage effort are visible on Google Earth.
14. A photo of a skull was found in Novaya Zemlya, Russia and hundreds of theories are now rushing through my head.
As per an Imgur commenter’s assertion, this location is believed to be the site where the world’s largest nuclear detonation, Tsar Bomba, took place. The historical significance of this event adds an additional layer of interest and fascination to the site for those who come across it.
15. This photo of a gaunt horse eating garbage in Brazil showcases the haunting reality for many animals and people in the country.
While the area may have been updated with new photographs on platforms like Google Earth, the screenshot capturing the specific moment or scene remains preserved and continues to be shared or referenced by users. These screenshots often hold significance as they serve as snapshots of a particular point in time, creating a lasting memory of what once existed.
16. This giant face has eroded into clay in Alberta, Canada.
The formation is commonly known as the “Badlands Guardian.” It is entirely natural in origin, though it possesses an eerie and intriguing appearance. The unique geological features combine to create the illusion of a guardian-like figure, giving rise to various interpretations and capturing the imagination of those who encounter it.
17. Davie Lee Niles went missing in 2006. His body wasn’t found until Google captured an image of his car inside of a lake.
The car’s previous obscurity was attributed to the murky conditions at ground level, making it challenging for it to be spotted or noticed by passersby or observers. The limited visibility hindered its detection until, presumably, aerial or higher vantage point images revealed its presence.
18. What I’m sure was supposed to be innocent cosplay looks much creepier when viewing it from Google Earth.
Although this phenomenon may be relatively common in Japan, it remains less frequently observed in other parts of the world. The cultural practices and unique traditions in Japan contribute to the prevalence of such occurrences, while in other regions, they may appear more uncommon or even rare.
19. Speaking of abandoned towns, this is Gunkanjima, Japan, an island once dedicated to coal mining. At its peak, it was the most densely populated area in the world.
With the exhaustion of the coal reserves, the island city faced an inevitable fate and was eventually deserted. The once thriving settlement, heavily reliant on the coal industry, had no choice but to be abandoned when its primary source of livelihood and sustenance depleted, leaving behind echoes of its past prosperity.
20. This “sea monster” can be found off the coast of Antarctica’s Deception Island.
Numerous theories have emerged regarding the mysterious entity in question, ranging from speculations about an underwater UFO to the Kraken or even the Loch Ness monster, seemingly taking a vacation from its traditional residence in Loch Ness. However, the most plausible explanation, given the context, is that it is probably a sighting of a blue whale, considering their immense size and common presence in certain regions.
21. This secret bunker hidden in New Mexico’s deserts
This strange symbol etched into the earth is reported to be the “alien space cathedral” of the Church of Scientology. If you look closely you can see a private airstrip built for the church’s leaders.
22. One of the more amazing (and creepy) views on Google Earth is Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona — better known as the Airplane Boneyard.
Established in the aftermath of World War II, the Arizona Boneyard has evolved into the largest site of its kind globally. This sprawling location serves as a repository for various decommissioned military aircraft, preserving historical artifacts and providing valuable resources for research and aviation enthusiasts alike.
23. Sadly, Lunik IX has company. This is El Bronx, an infamous ghetto in Bogota, Colombia.
According to reports, the area was subjected to a raid and subsequently cleared out by Colombia’s armed forces. Despite these actions, the remnants of this event still persist in Google Street View, serving as a digital record of the past and allowing users to revisit the location as it once was during that particular period in history.
24. This crater was caused by a 150-foot slab of nickel iron that fell from space.
Northern Arizona continues to bear the enduring mark of a meteor strike that occurred approximately 50,000 years ago. Known as the Barringer Crater, this extraordinary geological formation was forged by the explosive impact of a meteor, equivalent to 2.5 million tons of TNT, amounting to approximately 150 times the destructive force of the atomic blast in Hiroshima. This incredible crater serves as a reminder of the powerful forces at work in our planet’s history.
25. Probably one of the more depressing sights you can find on Google Street View is Lunik IX in Slovakia, an infamous Roma ghetto without much in the way of running water, electricity, or heating.
The presence of a small child alone on the ground in the sun, with no adults in sight, raises concerns about their safety and well-being. In such a situation, it is crucial to ensure the child’s immediate welfare and to locate responsible caregivers or authorities to provide appropriate assistance and supervision.
26. The home of Ariel Castro is blurred out on Google Earth, and that might make this screenshot even more haunting.
The horrifying ordeal of Ariel Castro’s captivity of three women in his Cleveland home for more than a decade shocked the world. After the discovery of their captivity, the house was eventually demolished, yet on Google Earth, the location remains blurred, likely as a measure to respect the privacy of those affected by this tragic and distressing event. The decision to blur the area acknowledges the sensitivity of the past events and aims to protect the victims’ dignity and healing process.
27. This is more than a teen thinking it would be funny to point a gun at the Google car.
The same house where the three women were held captive by Ariel Castro in Cleveland was also the tragic site where a baby was discovered dead in a closet, and no clear cause of death could be determined, leading to no charges being laid. In response to the sensitivity and gravity of these events, Google has blurred the image of the location to uphold privacy and respect for those involved. The decision to blur the imagery reflects a responsible approach towards handling distressing and sensitive subjects on their platform.
28. Upon first glance, it looks like you are staring at dumpsters full of dead bodies.
Fortunately, the unsettling sight of the mannequins brings relief upon the realization that they are indeed just lifeless figures. However, their eerie presence still manages to evoke a sense of fear and unease, reminding us of the power of perception and the potential to be spooked by even the most harmless objects.
29. Canadian artist Jon Rafman takes interesting screenshots on Google Earth and posts them online.
Amidst the collection of beautiful and captivating images, there exists one particularly alarming and puzzling sight that has caught your attention. The desire to understand the context and story behind this specific image is entirely understandable, as its unsettling nature leaves you curious about the circumstances and the reasons for its creation. Investigating further may reveal the intriguing background and symbolism behind this particular piece.
30. This aerial view of a dock sure looks sinister.
Absolutely, the eerie and seemingly suspicious appearance of the location might lead some to draw comparisons to a crime scene from a show like Law & Order. The initial impression of someone potentially dumping a body can be unnerving. However, upon further examination, the reality emerges that these coordinates belong to a public park in the Netherlands, a place where such illicit activities would be highly improbable, especially in broad daylight. The combination of the image’s context and the actual location is a testament to how appearances can be deceiving and emphasizes the importance of careful analysis before drawing conclusions.
31. Crazy enough, these Google cameras caught the aftermath of a collision at a major intersection.
Indeed, seeing one of the cars off the road can be concerning, and it’s natural to hope that everyone involved in the incident was safe and unharmed. Road accidents can be distressing, and it’s essential to wish for the well-being of all individuals involved. Safety is of utmost importance, and accidents serve as a reminder of the need for cautious and responsible driving practices to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.32
32. And finally, here we see the final resting place of the S.S. Jassim.
While it may not be the sole shipwreck visible on Google Earth, this particular one stands out as one of the largest among the shipwrecks that can be spotted using the platform. The remnants of maritime history scattered across various locations on Google Earth provide a glimpse into the past and the stories of vessels that have met their fate in different waters around the world.
