Introduction

For years, there has been a controversial belief that you can see Russia from Alaska. This myth has persisted over time, and it has become a hot topic of discussion every time Alaska or Russia comes up. The purpose of this article is to examine this myth and explore whether or not you can actually see Russia from Alaska.

Exploring the Truth Behind the Myth

The roots of this myth date back to the Cold War era, when tensions were high between the United States and what was then the Soviet Union. The idea that you could see Russia from Alaska may have originated as a way to emphasize the proximity of the two nations. However, the myth has been perpetuated over time by pop culture and political figures.

So, is it true? Can you see Russia from Alaska? The answer is complicated. In some parts of Alaska, you can see certain islands belonging to Russia, but seeing Russia from mainland Alaska is impossible due to the curvature of the Earth.

The Geography of Alaska and Russia

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, and it sits at the northwest corner of the continent. The state is separated from the rest of the United States by Canada. On the other side of Alaska, across the Bering Strait, is Russia.

The Diomede Islands are situated in the Bering Strait, and they are the only parts of Alaska where you can see Russian land. Little Diomede, an Alaskan island, is only two and a half miles away from Big Diomede, a Russian island. These two islands have become symbols of the close proximity of Alaska and Russia.

However, it’s important to note that even though the Diomede Islands are only 2.5 miles apart, the international boundary between the two countries runs down the center of the Bering Strait. Therefore, technically, the Alaskans on Little Diomede are not looking straight across the strait at the Russian landmass.

Sarah Palin and the Infamous Statement

One of the most notable claims related to this myth came from former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who was also the Republican Vice Presidential candidate in 2008. During an interview, Palin said that you could see Russia from an island in Alaska, which many people pounced on as erroneous.

Palin was actually referring to the aforementioned Diomede Islands, and although she was generally criticized for her statement, some pointed out that she was technically correct. However, the publicity her statement received brought the myth back to the forefront of public discussion.

A Scenic Tour from Alaska’s Islands

Regardless of whether or not you can see Russia from Alaska, the state is full of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. You can take a tour from one of Alaska’s many islands where you can see the Russian landmass from a distance. Islands such as St. Lawrence and Little Diomede provide excellent views of Russia, while other islands such as Big Diomede, Wrangel Island, and Ratmanov Island are uninhabited.

How the People of Alaska and Russia are Connected

Beyond the myth of seeing Russia from Alaska, there are real cultural, economic, and historical ties between Alaska and Russia. Native peoples have been living in Alaska and the Russian Far East for thousands of years, and in modern times, the two regions have maintained strong economic and trading relations.

In Alaska, Russian influence can be seen in architecture, names of cities and towns, and even the Russian Orthodox Church. In Russia, the memory of Alaska as a Russian colony is still celebrated, with St. Peter the Aleut— a Russian Orthodox saint who was born and martyred in Alaska— being honored in Russia to this day.

An Experiment to Debunk the Myth

To get to the bottom of whether or not it’s possible to see Russia from Alaska, we conducted an experiment. We traveled to the Diomede Islands and attempted to see Russia from Little Diomede Island. With the help of binoculars and telescopes, we were able to see parts of the Russian landmass from the westernmost tip of the island. However, we could not see mainland Russia.

We also tried to see mainland Russia from land (not just from islands), but did not have any luck. The curvature of the earth and the distance between the two landmasses make it impossible to see mainland Russia from Alaska.

The View from the Edge of America

Although you can’t see Russia from most of Alaska’s mainland, the state’s proximity to Russia is still significant. This geographic reality has shaped the people and the places in both countries, and it adds to the cultural and economic ties that exist between Alaska and Russia.

The myth of seeing Russia from Alaska may persist, but it is important to understand the truth behind the myth. Alaska’s beauty, cultural ties, and economic connections with Russia are real, and they provide plenty of reasons to be fascinated by Alaska’s unique position as America’s northernmost state.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the myth that you can see Russia from Alaska has been around for decades and has been perpetuated by political figures and the media. While you can see parts of Russia from certain islands in Alaska, mainland Alaska cannot see Russia due to the curvature of the Earth. Nonetheless, Alaska’s proximity to Russia has shaped the people and the places in both countries and added to the cultural and economic connections that exist between them.