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A colossal tree-shaped triangle, stretching 13 km high and 22 km at its base, is considered the largest “Christmas tree” on the planet.
Astronauts on space missions won't be spending Christmas with their families this year, but to ease their longing, they can observe a peculiarity on Earth: Lake Dukan, in Iraq, whose shape resembles a Christmas tree when seen from the space.
This curious celestial “tourist spot” gained notoriety in 2018, when astronaut Alexander Gerst posted an image of the lake on the X platform (formerly Twitter). Since then, the view of the lake has enchanted professionals in the space.
Origin and formation of Lake Dukan
Lake Dukan is an artificial reservoir, created in 1959 with the construction of a large hydroelectric dam near the city of Ranya, in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
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The triangular structure, which resembles a tree, has a base of 13 km and extends for about 22 km on its sides. At the top, a small, narrow branch looks like a star. This area corresponds to the place where the dam releases water into the Little Zab River, according to information from NASA's Earth Observatory.
"From space, Earth's shapes often resemble familiar figures – and Lake Dukan resembles a Christmas tree“, NASA representatives commented in a 2018 statement when the image went viral.
Curious details in the image
In the photo taken by Gerst, it is possible to identify elements that reinforce the festive appearance of the lake. First, a layer of algae covers the surface, creating a visual effect similar to green garlands. This phenomenon occurs due to the warm climate and runoff from agricultural activities in the region. Second, there are black spots distributed throughout the “tree”, which resemble Christmas decorations.
However, these spots are photographic artifacts caused by reflections in the lens of the camera used by the astronaut, according to the Earth Observatory.
Tourist interest and environmental impact
It’s not just astronauts who find beauty in Lake Dukan.
In recent decades, the site has become a popular destination for tourists on Earth, thanks to its artificial beaches and excellent fishing.
However, experts warn of the risks these activities pose to the local ecosystem, which is home to around 180 species of birds and fish, as well as rare animals such as Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) and striped hyenas (Hyaena hyaena), both of which are threatened with extinction.
Representatives from BirdLife International point out that the lake is under pressure due to tourism and has never been properly assessed for conservation. This raises concerns about the sustainability of local biodiversity.
Historical and archaeological heritage
In addition to its ecological significance, the area around Lake Dukan is rich in history. Nearby are the Paleolithic Hazar Merd cave, dating back 50.000 years, and ancient citadels nestled in the Zagros Mountains.
Another highlight is the 4.000-year-old collection of sculptures known as the Ga'war Strait Sculptures, all overseen by the Kurdistan Tourism Board.
Lake Dukan, therefore, goes beyond its space fame: it is a testament to the interaction between nature, history and humanity, preserving archaeological memories and enchanting those who observe it, whether from Earth or from the stars.
