It looks like something out of a science fiction movie, inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone. A former top secret military object used by the Soviet Union, the mysterious giant antenna system called the Duga-3, was the origin of an extremely powerful but anonymous signal between 1976 to 1989. The sharp, tapping signal came without warning, disrupting broadcasts and communications worldwide. Transmission power on some woodpecker transmitters was estimated to be as high as 10 MW EIRP. It was built in the 70\’s as an early missile detection system (over-the-horizon radar system). It was also called the Steel Yard hence its distinctive appearance. The towers are incredible feats of engineering: the big ones measure 479 feet tall and spans a length of 2,460 feet (nearly half a mile). The antenna was deactivated in 1989.

credit:  Michael Kötter

The station by the architect Santiago Calatrava was officially opened on 18 September 2009, with a show by Franco Dragone. It has 9 tracks and 5 platforms (three of 450 m and two of 350 m). All the tracks around the station have been modernised to allow high speed arrival and departure. While the station only houses five platforms, it is one of the most important hubs in Belgium because all of the tracks are compatible with high speed trains. The building seems to be a modern interpretation of the classic stations built during the industrial revolution. Calatrava’s dome has equal grandeur and similar dimensions (200m long, 35m high). The extensive use of white makes the station look not only more chicque than its 19th century predecessors; it gives the structure an airy, light-weight and almost delicate appearance.

credit: Jacquy Ankaert

The lifeguard towers of Miami Beach are famous in a town of famous architecture. The South Beach lifeguard stations are working stations and each is a beautifully crafted work of art. There are now 31 Lifeguard Towers just along the coastline of Miami Beach from the very tip at South Pointe Park up to 87th Street.

credit: Phillip Pessar

The International Space Station alias ISS is an internationally developed research facility, which is being assembled in low Earth orbit. The ISS can be seen from the Earth with the naked eye. It is the largest artificial satellite orbiting the Earth. This is images of the International Space Station and the docked space shuttle Endeavour. The pictures are the first taken of a shuttle docked to the International Space Station from the perspective of a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

Credit: NASA.gov

The station was built between 1867 and 1871 with Adolf W. Edelsvärd as the architect. Stockholm Central Station was opened July 18, 1871. In front of the central station stands a statue of Nils Ericson. Today, the station is the largest travel centre in Sweden with over 250,000 visitors daily.