Space Needle

The Space Needle is the Pacific Northwest's most recognizable landmark and is the symbol of Seattle, Washington. Located on the grounds of Seattle Center, it was built for the 1962 World's Fair, during which it hosted 2.3 million visitors. The Space Needle is a tower 184 m (605 feet) high and 42 m (138 feet) wide at its widest point and weighs 9,550 tons. It is built to withstand winds of up to 200 mph (320 km/h) and earthquakes up to 9.1 magnitude, and has 25 lightning rods on the roof to withstand lightning strikes.

Related Topics:
Pacific Northwest - Seattle - Washington - Seattle Center - 1962 World's Fair - 184 m - 42 m - Wind - Earthquake - Lightning rod - Lightning

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The Space Needle features an observation deck at 520 feet (159 m), restaurant, and gift shop. From the top of it, one can see not only the Downtown Seattle skyline, but also the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Elliot Bay and surrounding islands. Visitors can reach the top via elevators that travel at 10 mph. This trip takes 43 seconds and some tourists wait in hour-long lines in order to ascend to the top of the tower.

Related Topics:
159 m - Restaurant - Cascade Mountains - Mount Rainier - Elliot Bay - Elevator

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Some say an earthquake of 8.5 will topple the Space Needle. This however is refuted by the authorities.

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