A disc-shaped object recently observed by Google Maps users in Antarctica has sparked speculation about extraterrestrial origins. However, scientific experts have provided a natural geological explanation for the anomaly, which is located at coordinates 66°16'24.5"S 100°59'03.5"E.
Professor Bethan Davies, a glaciologist from Newcastle University, identified the feature as a small lake situated within a rocky basin. She explained that the snow-covered area around the lake melts due to the water's higher absorption of sunlight, creating a semi-circular appearance. This phenomenon is a natural geological process, not evidence of alien activity.
Laura Gerrish, a mapping expert at the British Antarctic Survey, further elaborated that the region is known as the Bunger Hills. This area is characterized by numerous small lakes and ponds, which often develop smooth edges against the ice. These natural formations are responsible for the intriguing sights captured in satellite imagery.
The Bunger Hills themselves are a significant ice-free area on the Knox Coast of Wilkes Land, covering approximately 450 to 942 square kilometers. First extensively mapped during the U.S. Navy's Operation Highjump (1946-1947), the region was named after Lieutenant Commander David E. Bunger, who landed on an unfrozen lake there in February 1947. The area is notable for its rugged hills and numerous freshwater and salt lakes, with Algae Lake being the largest.
Professor Davies, who also runs the website AntarcticGlaciers.org, is a leading authority on glacier dynamics and their response to climate change. Ms. Gerrish, a GIS and Mapping Specialist at the British Antarctic Survey, plays a crucial role in creating maps that support vital research into Antarctica's future. While such discoveries often fuel sensational theories, the scientific consensus points to natural geographical features, offering a glimpse into the continent's dynamic landscape.