Featured Image Credit: Michael S. Schwartz / Contributor / Getty
A perfect square structure has been discovered on the surface of Mars - and it's got everyone confused, including Joe Rogan.
As one of the closest planets to Earth, Mars has always been a central interest for research and exploration.
Thanks to satellites and rovers, scientists have uncovered tonnes of information about the Red Planet - from its giant dust storms to ancient water. Although, some research may have been more... detrimental than others.
Along the way, we’ve also captured some truly amazing images shedding some light as to what might be lurking on its surface.
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Well, a strangely perfect square has become the latest addition to the mix - and it's got people talking.
Looking flawless in shape, many have assumed it to be a manmade object - perhaps a sign of alien life?
Bear in mind that the photo has been edited and enhanced for people to view the shape better. But that doesn't stop the curious-minded from throwing in their own wild theories about what it could be.
Over on Reddit and X, many users believe it could be proof of an alien civilisation, comparing it to Egypt’s Great Pyramid.
Even popular podcaster Joe Rogan was blown away, resharing the post with the caption: "This is f**king WILD."
His reaction then caught the eye of Space X founder Elon Musk who replied: "We should send astronauts to Mars to investigate!"
The image was taken by NASA's Mars Global Surveyor's (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) in 2001. The area in the photo spans about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) across, according to Arizona State University's Mars image explorer.
As bizarre as it looks, this shape could just be a result of nature doing its thing.
Just like at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Irelands where perfectly hexagonal rock formations were created by volcanic activity.
"Eeeh not necessarily aliens, but what the heck is that and why does it look like that," one social media user wrote.
So if you are sceptical about this, don't worry you're not the only one. It might likely be just our brain playing tricks on us - a case of pareidolia. This is where you see a pattern or image of something that doesn't exist, like seeing faces in clouds.
"I see this stuff and think about my trip to the giants causeway in Northern Ireland. People would think those were alien too," another added on Reddit.
Still, Musk seems intrigued, and if there's anyone who would go about launching a Mars mission just to check it out, it's probably him.
