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NASA Reveals New Insights on Mauritania's Eye of Sahara

4/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NASA released new satellite images of the Richat Structure in Mauritania, also known as the Eye of the Sahara.
The formation, about 40 kilometers in diameter, is now seen as a deeply eroded dome from underground igneous activity, not an impact crater.
Landsat satellites captured the imagery in March 2026, revealing circular bands of orange and gray rock and evidence of early human habitation in the surrounding region.

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Story summary

NASA released new satellite images of the Richat Structure in Mauritania, also known as the Eye of the Sahara.
The formation, about 40 kilometers in diameter, is now seen as a deeply eroded dome from underground igneous activity, not an impact crater.
Landsat satellites captured the imagery in March 2026, revealing circular bands of orange and gray rock and evidence of early human habitation in the surrounding region.