What Is This Strange Square on Mars Everybody’s Talking About, and Are There Other Man-Made Looking Structures?

A resurfaced NASA image showing a nearly perfect square-shaped structure on Mars has sparked debate, with theories ranging from natural geological processes to possible artificial origins.

An image taken years ago by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor has resurfaced online, sparking a mix of curiosity and debate. The photo shows a nearly perfect square-shaped structure on the surface of Mars, with each side measuring about 3 kilometers. While unusual formations on Mars have been found before, this one has regained public attention in a big way, thanks to social media reactions and comments from well-known figures.

The image was initially captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor in 2001 (you can look at the original with this interactive map here), but people only began discussing it after Joe Rogan mentioned the photo on his podcast, expressing amazement at how geometrically precise the structure appeared. This led to a response from Elon Musk, who suggested that humans should go to Mars to investigate it (we don’t expect that to happen very soon though).

Before too long, social media users began speculating about what the structure could be. Some pointed out its similarity to the bases of ancient pyramids, while others suggested that it could be the remains of some other artificial structure. However, since it measures approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) on each side, this Martian formation significantly surpasses the dimensions of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which has a base length of about 230 meters (0.23 kilometers). This makes the Martian structure roughly 13 times larger per side than the Great Pyramid, considerably larger than any known pyramid on Earth. The sheer scale of this formation suggests that if it were artificial, it would represent an unprecedented architectural endeavor.

Conversely, skeptics argued that the formation is likely a result of natural geological processes such as fracturing or erosion, citing Earth’s Giant’s Causeway as an example of naturally occurring geometric formations. The image continues to be widely shared, fueling further discussion.

At the moment, NASA has not made an official statement on the structure, but planetary geologists typically attribute such formations to natural processes. Geometric shapes, including squares and rectangles, can sometimes appear in nature due to the way rock formations crack over time. Similar formations have been observed on Earth (and Mars, see below), where tectonic activity and erosion create straight edges and symmetrical patterns.

However, the strikingly even shape of this particular structure has led to calls for closer examination. Some researchers have suggested that additional high-resolution images could provide more clarity. For now, though, there is no evidence suggesting that the structure is anything other than a natural feature of the Martian landscape.

Other Mysterious Structures on Mars

This isn’t the first time Mars has revealed formations that look artificial at first glance. Over the years, several other features have sparked similar debates.

The Face on Mars

One of the most well-known cases was the “Face on Mars,” an image taken in 1976 by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter. The photo appeared to show a human-like face on the Martian surface in the Cydonia region. This led to speculation about extraterrestrial civilizations. However, later images taken with better cameras showed that the face was simply a natural rock formation, with shadows creating the illusion of facial features.

Inca City

Near the planet’s south pole, a formation known as Angustus Labyrinthus consists of a network of ridges that appear to form a structured grid. When viewed from above, it looks somewhat like an ancient city and was thus nicknamed the “Inca City” by NASA scientists. They believe these patterns were created by the sublimation of carbon dioxide ice, which breaks apart the surface in a way that creates intersecting lines.

Pyramidal Structures in Elysium Planitia

Some hills in the Elysium Planitia region have drawn attention for their shape, which resembles pyramids. Some people have suggested that they could be artificial structures, but geological studies indicate they were likely formed through volcanic activity and erosion over long periods.

Glass Tubes (Transverse Aeolian Ridges)

Another debated feature is a set of cylindrical structures that look like they could be tunnels or tubes. Early speculation suggested they might be remnants of ancient underground passageways. However, experts now believe these are transverse aeolian ridges—large sand dunes shaped by Martian winds.

Tharsis Tholus

This Martian volcano stands out due to its irregular shape. While most volcanoes have a relatively symmetrical cone, Tharsis Tholus has an eroded and collapsed structure, making it look quite different from typical volcanic formations. Scientists think this is due to a combination of lava flow, erosion, and Mars’ geological activity over millions of years.

Why These Features Get Attention

People often see patterns in random objects, a phenomenon known as pareidolia. It’s the same reason why some people see faces in clouds or animal shapes in rocks. When it comes to Mars, many are drawn to the idea that the planet may have once hosted an advanced civilization, leading them to look for signs of artificial structures.

While the square structure and other formations on Mars are interesting, the evidence so far suggests they are all natural. However, as exploration continues, new discoveries could provide further insights into the planet’s past.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5