Forget Egypt’s towering pyramids or the sprawling Great Wall of China… According to astronaut and former Minister of Science and Innovation, Pedro Duque, the most visible human-made structure from space is located in Spain.
The impressive sight? The vast expanse of greenhouses in El Ejido, Almería, also known as the “Sea of Plastic.”
A Plastic sea in Southern Spain
While it’s a common myth that the Great Wall of China is visible from space, the reality is that the reflective greenhouses in Almería are much more distinguishable. These greenhouses span over 40,000 hectares, making up nearly half of the province’s agricultural land. These are mostly situated in the area called Campo de Dalías. Their distinctive, shiny surface is easily visible from the International Space Station. Meanwhile, reflecting sunlight and creating a unique spectacle from orbit.
Almería’s dry climate, combined with access to underground water and abundant sunshine, has transformed the area into a major hub for greenhouse agriculture. These greenhouses are responsible for producing between 2.5 and 3.5 million tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually. These include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons, which are distributed across Europe.
From experiment to global phenomenon
The greenhouses of El Ejido are a relatively recent development. In the 1950s, the coastal plain of Campo de Dalías was covered in small plots of seasonal crops. Farmers began experimenting with layering sand and mulch over the soil. They also used plastic coverings to protect the crops from wind and salty groundwater. Innovations like drip irrigation and hydroponics led to significantly more productive crops, as the covered soil retained more warmth and moisture compared to open-air farming. The reflective white plastic of the greenhouses has even caused a localised cooling effect, reducing temperatures in the area.
Confirmed by space experts
Pedro Duque confirmed that “the greenhouses of southern Almería are the most visible human construction in the world from space.” NASA also weighed in, noting that these greenhouses cover such a large area that they may even have a cooling effect on the local climate, as the white plastic reflects a significant amount of sunlight.
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