Google Earth's 10 unusual discoveries

Google Earth's 10 unusual discoveries

Google Earth -- Google's popular software programme that provides access to the world's geographical information through digital maps, satellite imagery and the company's search tools -- has unravelled Earth's many hidden treasures. 

The mapping tool has found and cataloged some of the most unusual places around the globe. From secret Swastika to a Red lake, there are many unbelievable places discovered by Googele Earth. Time magazine ranked top 10 of these amazing Google Earth finds. Here's looking into them.

Secret Swastika

Did you know that the aerial view of a Coronado Naval Amphibious Base in San Diego (built in 1967) looks like Swastika (a symbol that holds significant importance in religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism)?

The picture shows four unconnected buildings on Base forming a shape of Swastika when viewed from above. According to reports, the Navy is spending some $600,000 to cover up the shape as according to them it reflects feeling of hatred.

Bloody lake

Looks like the lake tells the sad story of Iraq war. May be, may be not. The picture noticed in year 2007 shows a blood-soaked lake outside Iraq's Sadr City. Though there is no official version available, some believe it is a result of pollution or maybe some geological phenomena. Another view is that slaughterhouses in Iraq sometimes dump blood into canals.

Face in the clay

Here's a nature's creation situated in Alberta, Canada, that bears strong resemblance to a human face. Called Badlands Guardian, it is actually a valley eroded into the clay. It appears to be wearing earphones which is actually a road running along and an oil well.

UFO landing pad

Looks like signs of a UFO landing? However, according to UK Ministry of Defense it is a motorcycle range. There are speculations that it may also be some sort of calibration tool for satellites. Such odd looking formations are also said to be found on air bases in the US and Britain.

Oprah maze

Here's a dedication from a fan to the world's most popular talk-show host, Oprah Winfrey. In 2004, an Arizona farmer built a 10-acre corn maze for the world's most powerful celebrity.

Largest ship wreck

In 2003, Bolivian cargo ferry, the SS Jassim, sunk on the Wingate Reef (off the coast of Sudan). This picture shows the largest shipwreck viewable in Google Maps/Earth.

Atlantis found?

Looks like the ruins of the lost continent of Atlantis? Many initially believed so, taking the grid off the coast of Africa as streets in the mythical sunken city. Later, observers noted that the area appeared to be the size of Wales, believing such a large grid as an impressive feat of ancient urban planning.

However, Google Earth engineers clarified that the grid pattern was merely a digital artifact created by the sonar boats collecting mapping data.

Firefox crop circle

In 2006, when Firefox was just 2 years old, the Oregon State University Linux users group created this logo spanning more than 45,000 sq. ft. This was to mark the celebration of the Web browser's 50 millionth download.

Airplane graveyard

One of the most popular satellite pictures online, its where old planes meet their end. From B-52s to stealth bombers, all are broken down here at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base outside Tuscon, Arizona, for scrap. According to reports more than 4,000 military aircrafts are dismantled here.

Cruise missile?

This picture according to Google Earth shows a cruise missile fired during a military training exercises in the Utah mountains. The missile appears to have wings. However, many believe that it is actually an airplane.

All new ORKUT

All new ORKUT

Given the large number of orkut users, we've decided to gradually roll out the new orkut through an invitation-only system for the next few months. Here's how to get an invitation, and what to expect when you do...

	Get an invite, get started! Want to see the new orkut now? Find a friend who has an invitation and ask him! Those who are using the new orkut will sometimes receive invitations to share with their friends, so they can share the orkut love. Another way to get an invite is to join Poppy and Shashi on the official community for cool insights into the new orkut and to participate in one of the many activities that will be taking place there. Be sure to check back often as the owners will be regularly announcing new ways to get an invite. Users must have an invitation before they can access the new version of orkut. If they have invitations to share, they can send them to their friends on orkut; when those friends receive the invitations, they'll see a special icon at the top of their homepage.  To accept the invitation, they just click the icon and they'll then see the new version of orkut. Once they've accepted the invitation, they'll be eligible to receive invitations that they can share with their friends on orkut... and that's how more and more people will be able to get on board the new version. To see how many invitations you have to share with friends, simply look below the friends box on your homepage.
	Invite your friends Are you already on the new orkut, and want your friends to join you? Well, now you have the power to invite your favorite friends. Look below the friends box for the counter that shows how many invitations you can share. Click "invite your friends" to see a list of your friends who aren't using the new orkut yet - then pick the friends you want to invite and click "send". If you don't see a specific friend in this list then your friend was already invited by someone else.
	Get more invites We'll periodically give you more invitations to share with friends. No need to ask - we'll keep an eye on the number of invitations you've sent, and give you a few more when you seem to need them.
	Is this the same orkut my friends are still using? Yes (sort of). You can still interact with all your friends who are using the old orkut, but you'll be seeing orkut in a whole new light. Both versions share the same information, so anything you do on one version of orkut will be visible to your friends on the other. You can even click at the top of the page to go back and forth between the two versions of orkut to be sure nothing got lost in translation. Or you can just trust us :)
	Can't find an invitation, what do I do? Hmmm, so you really want to see the new orkut? Well, the best way to get an invitation is to visit your friends profile pages. If you see this icon  on their profile next to their name, they probably have an invitation they can share with others - so be bold, and ask them for one!
	Want to invite someone who's not on orkut yet? First, your friend needs to sign up for orkut. Simply use the friend finder "invite" feature and send a note inviting your friend to create an orkut account. Once your request is accepted, you'll see your pal on your friends list. Then, just send your new friend an invitation to try the new orkut. Get the NEW ORKUT invite here.. click here