Toluu : Google Sightseeing

Google Sightseeing

Why bother seeing the world for real?

Vladimir Shukhov was a Russian engineer, scientist and architect whose pioneering structural engineering work led to the design of the world’s first hyperboloid structures.

In mathematics, a hyperboloid is a quadric (”a D-dimensional hypersurface defined as the locus of zeros of a quadratic polynomial”) defined by, er… this complex-looking equation. Basically it’s a type of three dimensional surface that is most commonly seen as the shape of power station cooling towers.

The first ever hyperboloid structure was a water tower that was built for the All-Russia exhibition of 1896. The design consists of straight beams in a lattice arrangement, meaning tall towers could be built with minimal wind resistance.

Today seven of Shukhov’s towers remain standing in Russia, including the 160-metre-high

Rhoose Point, WalesNovember 20

Rhoose Point is the southernmost point of mainland Wales. The point is marked by a 4m standing stone monument surrounded by a stone circle.

The stone was erected in 2000 by the company reclaiming the quarry and surrounding land for housing. Some good pictures can be found at this Flickr set.

More mysterious are the several nearby shapes created from rocks, sand and gravel - a compass, a spiral and other assorted

The Skeleton CoastNovember 19

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is named so for two different types of skeletons that littered the beaches: whales and ships.

Thanks to the end of mass whaling the whale bones are now all gone, but the bones of ships remain, very slowing rusting away.

For example, the Eduard Bohlen ran aground here way back in 1909.

There are purportedly thousands of ships lining this coast, thanks to the gale force winds, thick fog and ferocious surf.

The Otavi ran aground in 1945, with a load of Guano she was shipping from Mercury Islands.

Cable SkiingNovember 18

Until today when I came across this suggestion, I had no idea it was possible to water-ski without a boat. I now know that cable skiing (wikipedia) is a growing phenomenon around the world. This facility in Germany has a great image of somebody just after they completed a jump.

Previously on Google Sightseeing: Water-skiing on Loch Lomond

Thanks to Martin Hensen.

Locations: Germany / Categories: Stadiums and Sport

View in Google Earth

Band of HolesNovember 17

In south-western Peru, on a plain called Cajamarquilla is the band of holes.

Running for about a mile across the barren rock is this line of holes of varying depths and sizes, with occasional clear gaps, for which locals and archaeologists have no explanation. They have guessed at grain storage and burial sites, though neither theory has held up to scrutiny.

Information and pictures and be found here. What’s your theory?

And don’t miss these Peruvian mysteries previously posted o