Prepare to be amazed! NASA has unveiled a breathtaking image of Jabal Arkanu, a stunning ring-shaped mountain in Libya's Sahara Desert, captured from the International Space Station (ISS). This geological marvel offers a unique glimpse into the Earth's hidden wonders. But what makes this formation so special? Let's dive in!
A Desert Gem: Jabal Arkanu, also known as Arkenu, is nestled in the southeastern corner of Libya, close to the Egyptian border. This area is surrounded by other impressive mountain ranges, like Jabal al-Awaynat, located roughly 20 kilometers to the southeast, and the Arkenu Formations, about 90 kilometers to the west. The area's isolation only adds to its mystique.
Debunking a Myth: For years, scientists speculated that the circular patterns of Jabal Arkanu were the result of ancient meteorite impacts. But here's where it gets controversial... Later research revealed a different story. Geological investigations proved that these rings were formed entirely through Earth’s internal processes, not cosmic collisions.
How Were the Rings Formed? The rings of Jabal Arkanu were formed when magma pushed upwards from deep within the Earth, repeatedly penetrating the surrounding rock layers. Each intrusion contributed to the formation of interconnected circular structures, with their centers slightly tilted towards the southwest. The ring complex is primarily composed of igneous rocks, including basalt and granite, topped by a cap-like layer of sandstone, limestone, and quartz.
A View from Above: The recent ISS image, taken on September 13, 2025, reveals long shadows cast across the desert floor. Jabal Arkanu's rugged slopes rise to about 1,400 meters above sea level, standing 800 meters above the surrounding sandy plains. The photograph also showcases massive boulders, scattered pebbles, fan-shaped streams of sand, and towering sand dunes. Within the formation, you can spot two wadis—dry riverbeds—although water is incredibly scarce in this arid environment.
A Land of Scarcity: According to data from NASA and JAXA’s Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), southeastern Libya, along with parts of Egypt and northern Sudan, receives a mere 1–5 millimeters of rain each year. The area around Jabal Arkanu experiences slightly higher rainfall, around 5–10 millimeters annually, likely due to the orographic effect caused by the mountain's elevation.
Captured in Detail: The image, labelled ISS073-E-698446, was captured using a Nikon Z9 camera with an 800 mm lens aboard ISS Expedition 73. It was later cropped and enhanced to improve clarity and contrast.
What do you think? Does this image spark your curiosity about Earth's hidden geological processes? Do you find it hard to believe that this was not caused by a meteorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
