The 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off on Friday, July 26th, in Paris, with the opening ceremony highlighting historic landmarks along the Seine River. A new satellite image from space provides a stunning visual of the city, showcasing the Olympic venues in detail. The European Space Agency (ESA) shared a high-resolution image of central Paris, captured by their Pléiades Neo mission, a constellation of two identical satellites.
The image allows viewers to zoom in on various Olympic venues, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s preparations for the Games. Notable locations include the Bercy Arena, recognizable by its pyramid design, which will host artistic gymnastics, trampoline, and basketball events. The satellite image also captures Notre Dame, currently undergoing restoration following a devastating fire five years ago. The cathedral was a prominent feature during the opening ceremony, with its bells ringing for the first time since the fire.
Another prominent feature in the image is the oval-shaped Stade de France, accompanied by the Aquatics Centre, one of the two permanent venues constructed for the Games. The iconic Arc de Triomphe, standing at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, is easily spotted near the center-left of the image. Perhaps most notable in the satellite image is the Eiffel Tower, where two temporary arenas have been built to host competitions, including beach volleyball.
The interactive image shared by ESA allows viewers to click on over a dozen circles, providing detailed information about each location within the city. This comprehensive view from space offers a unique perspective on the city’s transformation and preparations for the upcoming Games.
