Physicist Claims NASA May Be Concealing Evidence of Extraterrestrial Technology on the Moon

On February 3, 2026, theoretical physicist Maaneli (Max) Derakhshani appeared on the NewsNation program "Reality Check" to share his provocative insights regarding potential anomalies on the lunar surface. This appearance has brought renewed public attention to the enduring debate over what might be concealed within the lunar imagery provided by NASA.

Derakhshani, a specialist in quantum mechanics, has proposed that certain structures found on the Moon are not natural geological formations but are instead evidence of extraterrestrial technology. He further alleged that the space agency may be intentionally blurring photographs to obscure these artificial details from public view.

Maaneli Derakhshani is a distinguished alumnus of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, where he earned his PhD in theoretical physics. His professional journey includes significant postdoctoral research at Rutgers University and a role at the John Bell Institute for the Foundations of Physics, where he focused on the fundamental questions of the discipline.

His expertise spans the foundations of quantum mechanics, stochastic processes, quantum gravity, and the philosophy of physics. With a prolific academic record of over 50 publications, including research on wave function collapse models and stochastic mechanics, he also serves as a senior scientific advisor for the CO2 Coalition, an organization focused on climate issues.

While his primary academic work is rooted in fundamental physics, Derakhshani has recently turned his analytical focus toward lunar anomalies, drawing conclusions from an intensive study of NASA mission imagery. In a detailed discussion with journalist Ross Coulthart, he stated that the likelihood of artificial structures existing on the Moon exceeds 50%.

Derakhshani cited specific images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) that, in his view, display geometric shapes that cannot be explained by natural lunar processes. He specifically highlighted the Paracelsus C crater, where he identified rectangular structures reaching heights of 30 meters and lengths of over 100 meters, including one formation resembling the letter "T."

During his presentation, he noted that standard geology does not typically produce such precise rectangular forms. He also pointed to anomalies within the De Forest crater and a notable "hot spot" in the Compton-Belkovich region, where thermal radiation levels are reportedly 20 times higher than those of the surrounding areas.

In addition to visual anomalies, Derakhshani mentioned the detection of single-walled carbon nanotubes in lunar soil. He argued that this material requires a highly controlled manufacturing process and does not occur spontaneously in nature, suggesting it is a clear indicator of technological activity.

These observations are linked to the concept of "technosignatures," or physical signs of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. Derakhshani suggested that NASA might be utilizing the Space Act of 1958 to classify information that could impact national security, thereby justifying the lack of clarity in certain public images.

To support his claims, he referenced the 1994 Clementine mission, noting that former deputy director John Brandenburg had previously mentioned observations of possible "construction activity" on the Moon. He also cited a 1960 report from the Brookings Institution, which warned of potential social chaos if evidence of a superior alien technology were to be discovered.

Derakhshani further speculated that the ongoing delays surrounding the Artemis II and Artemis III missions might be connected to internal concerns about the public disclosure of such findings. However, these theories have faced rigorous criticism from many within the established scientific community.

Astronomers and space experts have pointed out that high-quality lunar imagery is available from multiple international agencies, including those in China, India, and Europe. These images consistently show natural features shaped by eons of meteorite impacts and erosion, leading skeptics to argue that a global cover-up would be impossible to maintain.

Critics have compared Derakhshani’s interpretations to the "Face on Mars" phenomenon, which was eventually debunked as an optical illusion caused by light and shadow on a natural hill. They emphasize the importance of peer-reviewed evidence and note that consumer-level telescopes do not have the resolution to verify the minute details discussed by the physicist.

While NASA has not provided a direct response to these specific allegations, the agency has consistently highlighted the transparency of its data, which remains open for public and scientific scrutiny. This debate underscores the ongoing tension between scientific skepticism and the human desire to find deeper meaning in cosmic data.

As the Artemis program continues its preparations for a return to the Moon, such discussions serve as a catalyst for more rigorous analysis of lunar data. Regardless of whether Derakhshani’s hypotheses are eventually proven correct, they serve as a reminder of the mysteries that the Moon continues to hold after decades of exploration.