The claim that the Taj Mahal is visible from space with the naked eye is a common myth, but it is not true. The Taj Mahal, while a magnificent structure and an iconic symbol of India, is not visible from space to the naked eye for several reasons:

Altitude: The Taj Mahal is a relatively small structure when viewed from the altitudes at which most satellites and spacecraft orbit. It is about 73 meters (240 feet) tall, which is not large enough to be seen from such distances without the aid of magnification.

Atmospheric Interference: Earth’s atmosphere scatters light, making it difficult to see fine details on the ground from space. This scattering effect reduces the visibility of objects on the Earth’s surface when viewed from space.

Satellite Images: While the Taj Mahal can be captured in satellite images taken by satellites orbiting the Earth, these images are taken with specialized cameras and are not the same as what the human eye would see from space.

Human Eye Limitations: Even from the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) above the Earth, the Taj Mahal would not be visible to the naked eye due to its relatively small size compared to the vastness of the Earth’s surface.

In summary, the claim that the Taj Mahal is visible from space with the naked eye is a misconception. While it is a breathtaking structure and can be seen in satellite images, it is not visible to astronauts or cosmonauts in orbit around the Earth without the aid of magnification or specialized equipment.