Google Maps image sparks wild theories about Antarctica ‘doorway’
Experts explain Antarctica 'doorway' as grounded iceberg, debunk wild theories
People have unleashed their imaginations after spotting what seems to be a doorway in the remote snows of Antarctica. We know a great deal about our planet, even its most secluded areas. Yet, a single image from Google Maps has ignited wild theories about hidden secrets in Antarctica.
On social media, users have speculated everything from hollow Earth theories to Bigfoot sightings based on the image. The location, visible on Google Maps, lies southeast of the Japanese-run Showa Station and indeed resembles a door. One Reddit user commented: “Great find. Could be an underground base entrance of some sort. Could be nothing. Excellent find either way.”
Another stated, “Cthulhu has to live somewhere, now shut the door so no drafts get inside.” A third user joked, “It’s just an entrance to Monsters Inc. Yeah, the abominable snowman is probably lurking somewhere nearby.” Despite the speculation, Bethan Davies, a Glaciology professor at the University of Newcase, offered a more grounded explanation.
Google Maps has found a mysterious door in Antarctica
Conspiracy theory enthusiasts have found an object on satellite images of Antarctica that resembles a doorway in shape. The mysterious door is located to the southeast of the Japanese station Shōwa. pic.twitter.com/slARhv5zQj
— World News Express 🚨 (@WorldNewsExprex) October 20, 2024
Looking at the coordinates, she explained: “This feature is in an area of fast sea ice in East Antarctica, just offshore of the coast. There are a series of islands there, and the water is quite shallow. This is an iceberg that became grounded and is now stuck and melting in situ. You can see many other icebergs in the area.” Martin Siegert, co-director of the Grantham Institute, supported Davies’ assessment.
He explained: “This is simply ice flow around a solid subglacial obstacle, influenced also by melting and re-freezing of ice and by katabatic winds. The ice is quite thin here, as evidenced by other outcrops of rock nearby, so the influence of the bed on ice flow will be strong. It’s an interesting pattern, but not unusual or surprising glaciologically.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Metro reports Google Maps sleuths believe they’ve discovered a massive door in Antarctica, sparking conspiracy theories and guesses about its purpose.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What sparked the wild theories about a doorway in Antarctica?
An image from Google Maps showing a doorway-like feature in Antarctica.
Where is the mysterious doorway in Antarctica located?
Southeast of the Japanese-run Showa Station in East Antarctica.
What did social media users speculate the doorway could be?
Theories ranged from hollow Earth entrances to Bigfoot sightings.
What is the scientific explanation for the doorway-like feature?
It’s an iceberg grounded and melting in shallow water, creating the appearance.
What did experts say about the ice flow pattern around the feature?
It’s influenced by subglacial obstacles, melting, re-freezing, and katabatic winds.
