A bizarre new sighting on Google Maps has ignited the imaginations of conspiracy theorists, who have spotted what appears to be a mysterious “doorway” in the Antarctic ice. Located in East Antarctica, just southeast of Japan's Showa Station, this strange structure has sparked wild speculation online.
Reddit users, who first noticed the feature at coordinates 69°00’50″S 39°36’22″E, have thrown out humorous theories. Some joked it could be Bigfoot's vacation spot, while others suggested it might be a spaceship from “Star Trek.”
Another chimed in, "Wonder if they get DoorDash out there," referencing the food delivery service.
What Are Scientists Saying About It?
However, despite the outlandish ideas circulating online, scientists have provided a more mundane explanation for the strange structure. As reported by the New York Post, Dr Bethan Davies, a professor of glaciology at Newcastle University, analysed the coordinates and pointed out that the feature is located in an area of fast-moving sea ice, surrounded by shallow waters and small islands. What appears to be a "doorway" is, in fact, an iceberg that has become grounded in the shallow water and is now gradually melting.
Professor Martin Siegert of Imperial College London added further clarification, NY Post reported, noting that the pattern is the result of ice flowing around a subglacial obstacle. The interplay of melting, refreezing, and katabatic winds — a type of strong wind in Antarctica — has given the ice its distinctive shape. While the pattern may be visually intriguing, Siegert emphasized that it is a common occurrence in glaciology and not as mysterious as it seems.
In conclusion, while the so-called "doorway" has fueled wild speculation, scientists assure that it’s nothing more than an interesting but natural phenomenon— a grounded iceberg shaped by the forces of nature, rather than a portal to another world.