Space Needle, Observation tower in Seattle Center, United States
The Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle Center that rises 605 feet (184 meters) above the city. At the top sit a circular viewing deck and a rotating restaurant with panoramic views of mountains, water, and neighborhoods.
Construction began in April 1961 as a landmark for the Century 21 Exposition World Fair. The tower opened in April 1962 and became a permanent symbol of the city's postwar modernization.
Locals see the tower as a symbol of their city and often gather near it for festivals and celebrations. Visitors experience the relaxed, technology-friendly culture of the Pacific Northwest, where future and nature meet.
Three elevators bring visitors to the viewing deck, with the ride taking less than a minute. On clear days Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and Puget Sound are all visible.
The tower has 25 lightning rods and can withstand winds of 200 miles per hour (322 kilometers per hour) and earthquakes up to magnitude 9.0. This construction makes it one of the most resilient buildings on the West Coast.
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