Photos

This detailed astronaut photograph highlights sand dunes in the Fachi-Bilma erg (sand sea) in the central-eastern part of the Tenere Desert. The Tenere occupies much of southeastern Niger and is considered to be part of the larger Sahara Desert, which stretches across northern Africa. Much of the Sahara is comprised of ergs; with an area of approximately 150,000 sq km (57,915 sq mi), the Fachi-Bilma is one of the larger sand seas. Two major types of dunes are visible in the image. Large, roughly north-south oriented transverse dunes - known as zibar dunes - fill the image frame. This type of dune tends to form at roughly right angles to the dominant, northeasterly winds. The dune crests are marked in this image by darker, steeper sand accumulations that cast shadows. The lighter-toned zones between are lower, interdune "flats." The large dunes appear to be highly symmetrical with regard to their crests, which are composed of coarser sediments. A second set of thin linear dunes oriented at roughly right angles to the zibar dunes are formed from finer grains in the same wind field as the larger zibars. Image courtesy of NASA.

Niamey, the capital and largest city of Niger, lies on the Niger River, primarily situated on the east bank. The Kennedy Bridge, built in 1970, is the main crossing for the Niger River and is named for US President John F. Kennedy. Its construction enabled Niamey to expand onto the right (west) bank of the river. Located in a semi-arid part of the continent, Niamey is remarkably hot throughout the year and is one of the hottest major cities on the planet.

A petroglyph, or ancient rock carving, is usually associated with prehistoric times and considered to be among the first markers of human presence. These petroglyphs were found in Airlit, of the Agadez Region in northern-central Niger, between the Sahara Desert and the eastern edge of the Aïr Mountains. The carvings show some of the local fauna including giraffes.

Niamey, the capital of Niger, is a fairly modern city, with some recent improvements to roads and infrastructure. Still, most residential streets are dirt or sand.