Ep 3. Secrets of the Sahara

In season 1, episode 3 of the hit series What on Earth?, viewers are taken on an adventure to uncover the Secrets of the Sahara. The episode begins with breathtaking views of the expansive desert and the various patterns and shapes that can be seen from above. The narrator explains that while the Sahara may seem like a barren wasteland from ground level, satellites capture a completely different perspective that reveals hidden secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

The first mystery explored in this episode revolves around a curious formation near a remote area of the Sahara. From above, the area appears to be covered in perfectly circular shapes, almost like a giant target. The narrator explains that this mysterious pattern could be related to a meteorite that possibly struck the area in the past, causing these strange circular formations. The team uses specialized equipment to investigate the site on the ground, uncovering evidence that supports this theory.

Next, viewers are taken to a different area of the Sahara where an ancient structure has been recently discovered using satellite imagery. The team identifies the structure as a large pyramid, similar in size to those found in Egypt and Mexico. However, this pyramid is located in a region where there were no known civilizations during the time period it was constructed, leading scientists to question who could have built it and why. The team travels to the site to examine the pyramid up close and gather evidence that could help shed light on this ancient mystery.

The episode then switches gears and turns its attention to the wildlife of the Sahara, including the thriving populations of baboons that live in the rocky terrain. Using satellite imagery, the team is able to track their movements and observe their behavior from above, providing a unique perspective that is rarely seen. The team also discovers a vast network of irrigation channels that were built by ancient North Africans over 1,000 years ago to support agriculture in this arid region. The channels are still in use today and have been key to supporting the local population for centuries.

Finally, the team explores a dark area of the Sahara known as the "Black Desert," which is shrouded in mystery due to its dark color and lack of vegetation. While it was previously believed that the area was completely uninhabitable, satellite imagery reveals something surprising: the presence of several large lakes deep in the heart of the Black Desert. The team sets out to investigate these lakes and explore the secrets they may hold, including whether they could be a possible source of water for future generations.

Overall, season 1, episode 3 of What on Earth? provides a fascinating look at the many secrets and mysteries hidden within the Sahara. Through the use of satellite imagery and ground exploration, the team uncovers evidence and observations that shed light on the history, wildlife, and possibilities in this vast and mysterious desert.