"I did not see our Great Wall from space," Yang said in an interview with China Central Television.
There are many variations on this myth, which dates to before humans put the first robotic satellite in orbit -- back when nobody had a clue what was visible from space with the unaided eye. One form holds that the Great Wall is the only manmade structure visible from the Moon. Another twist is that no manmade structures are visible from anywhere in space. And some people believe only the Great Wall is visible from Earth orbit, where Yang was.
Take your pick, they're all false.
No human constructs are visible from the Moon. But lots of manmade structures are visible from Earth orbit, including cities, highways and even some of the vehicles that traverse them. The Great Wall of China is visible from Earth orbit, too. Yang just didn't see it.
Is that the only reason they went?
Rook! Rook! Pamera Anderson!
