While many man-made features become discernible from the vastness of space under specific conditions, parts of India and Pakistan are distinctly visible due to their brilliantly illuminated border.
Visible Borders from Orbit
From the International Space Station (ISS) or through satellite imagery, the Earth's surface reveals various natural and man-made elements. Among the most striking human-made structures visible, certain international borders stand out due to their unique characteristics, particularly at night.
The India-Pakistan Border: An Orange Glow
The India-Pakistan border is one of the most prominent international boundaries visible from Earth's orbit. According to Business Insider, this remarkable visibility is due to approximately 2,000 kilometres of the border being extensively floodlit. This intensive lighting, maintained by thousands of permanently posted troops, creates an orange glow that is readily discernible to astronauts and satellites circling above. This unique illumination makes it possible to observe significant portions of both India and Pakistan directly from space, especially during nighttime hours.
Key Details of the Visible Border
The table below summarizes the key aspects of the India-Pakistan border's visibility from space:
| Country Involved | Visible Feature | Description from Space | Extent of Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Floodlit Border with Pakistan | Appears as an orange glow | 2,000 kilometres |
| Pakistan | Floodlit Border with India | Appears as an orange glow | 2,000 kilometres |
Why Some Structures Are Visible
Generally, it is challenging to see individual structures from space without magnification, but large-scale, intensely lit areas or highly contrasting natural features can become apparent. The floodlit India-Pakistan border is a prime example of a human-made structure that generates enough light to be seen from orbital perspectives, distinguishing itself as a unique geographical marker. Other visible features often include major cities at night due to their vast networks of lights, or large-scale agricultural patterns in daylight.
For more details on this and other visible international borders, you can refer to the Business Insider article: International Borders That Are Visible From Space.
