Google Earth: A Window to the Weird and Wonderful

Satellite mapping technologies like Google Maps have revolutionized the way we see the world. From the comfort of our own homes, we can now explore every corner of the globe, from the bustling streets of New York City to the remote deserts of Namibia.

But what happens when we zoom in a little closer? What secrets do Google Maps have hidden away?

As it turns out, there are a lot of strange and wonderful things to be found. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Surtsey Island: This volcanic island off the coast of Iceland was formed in 1963 by a volcanic eruption. It's now a haven for wildlife, including puffins, seals, and seabirds.

Trementina Base: This is a secret underground vault located in Trementina, New Mexico. It is owned and operated by the Church of Spiritual Technology, a religious organization that is affiliated with the Church of Scientology. The vault is said to contain the archived writings, films, and recordings of L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology. It is also said to contain a variety of other materials, including survival supplies and weapons. The Trementina Base is a highly secure facility and is not open to the public.

Desert Breath: This is a large-scale land art installation located in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, near the Red Sea. The installation was created by two artists, Danae Stratou and two other artists, in 1997. It has become a popular destination for tourists and has been featured in many art exhibitions and publications. Despite its popularity, the installation is not permanent and is slowly being eroded by the wind and the sand.

The Kazakh Geoglyphs: The Kazakh Geoglyphs are a series of large, ancient geoglyphs located in the Turgai Steppe of Kazakhstan. They were first discovered in 2007 by a team of researchers using Google Earth. The geoglyphs are thought to be between 2,800 and 8,000 years old, and they are some of the oldest and largest geoglyphs in the world. Their purpose is still a mystery, but they're a stunning sight to behold.

The Wheel-Like Structures of Azraq Oasis: The Wheel-Like Structures of Azraq Oasis is a series of mysterious stone structures located in the Azraq Oasis in Jordan. They were first discovered in 1927 by British Royal Air Force Lieutenant Percy Maitland. The structures are thought to be between 8,500 and 10,000 years old, and they are some of the oldest known stone structures in the world. The structures are a reminder that there is still much we do not know about our past, and that there are still many mysteries to be solved.

The Navy Base Shaped Like a Swastika: The Navy Base Shaped Like a Swastika is a controversial building located in Coronado, California. It was built in the 1930s and is shaped like a swastika, a symbol that has been associated with the Nazi Party. The building is now used as a barracks for the United States Navy.

The architect of the building, John Mock, has said that he was not aware of the swastika when he designed the building. He has said that the shape was simply the most efficient way to use the space. However, many people believe that the building was deliberately designed to resemble a swastika. The building is a reminder of the dark history of the swastika and the Nazi Party. It is also a reminder that even the most innocent-looking objects can have a dark past.

Mysterious Pentagram: In Kazakhstan, there is a mysterious pentagram that has become a popular tourist attraction. This pentagram is located on the southern shore of the Upper Tobol Reservoir, near the city of Lisakovsk. Despite its mundane origin, the pentagram has become a popular destination for tourists and a subject of fascination for many. It is visible from the air and has even been used as a setting for music videos and films.

Sandy Island: This island, which was once thought to exist between Australia and New Caledonia, has since disappeared. The map was included in many maps and nautical charts from as early as the late 19th century. Google appears to have revised its maps and the island is no longer visible. No one knows what happened to it, but it's a reminder that the world is still full of mysteries.

These are just a few of the many strange and wonderful places you can find on Google Maps. So next time you're bored, take a look around and see what you can find. You might be surprised at what you discover.