Space and Physics
PUBLISHED
Keyboard-wielding alien enthusiasts have spotted what they believe to be a cross next to the “fallen roof of a temple” on Mars.
The rest of this article is behind a paywall. Please sign in or subscribe to access the full content.The image was originally snapped by NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover on January 10, 2014. The supposed cross can be seen in the middle of the image, slightly to the left, if you squint a bit.
It was first spotted by French UFO and paranormal phenomenon enthusiast Christian Mace, and later picked up by UFO Sightings Daily.
On the site, they said: “I would be [bet] big money that this is a full size cross. Near the cross there is the ledges of a beautifully carved roof that has since caved in. It has archways carved in its top and three thin layered sections.”
While the spotters are certainly keen-eyed, this is not a crucifix. The most likely explanation of the sighting is the psychological quirk called pareidolia, where humans have a tendency to pick up recognizable features – particularly faces – when there are none, a bit like what you see during the classic Rorschach “inkblot” Test. You can read more about that here.
