Discovering a mysterious ‘entrance’ in Antarctica might seem strange, but in 2024, would it really surprise anyone? Google Maps often reveals oddities, such as a ‘suspicious pit’ in Canada or a large pirate ship. However, this “doorway” in East Antarctica stands out as one of the more puzzling finds.
A Reddit user posted about this unusual discovery, describing a ‘massive door’ and sharing the coordinates (69°00’50”S 39°36’22”E) for others to check out. The nearest landmark is the Japanese Showa Station, but the area around it is quiet, sparking a wave of conspiracy theories.
Some speculated it could be an entrance to an underground base, while others joked that it might be a blown-off Boeing door or a vacation home for Bigfoot. A few even suggested it could be tied to a rumored secret bunker of Adolf Hitler, previously ‘spotted’ in Antarctic images.
Oddly, no one mentioned a connection to the Monsters, Inc. scene where Mike and Sulley are banished to the Himalayas—although geographically inaccurate, it’s a fun theory.
However, conspiracy theorists were off the mark. Experts have debunked the theories, providing a more straightforward explanation for the so-called “snowy doorway.”
Professor Bethan Davies, using Google Earth Pro for historical imagery, explained to the Daily Mail that the feature is in an area of East Antarctica known for fast sea ice, where a grounded iceberg is melting in place, alongside other icebergs.
Professor Martin Siegert added that this structure likely formed as ice flowed around a subglacial obstacle, shaped by melting, refreezing, and strong katabatic winds. The thin ice and rock outcrops nearby indicate the ice flow is influenced by the bed beneath. While intriguing, it’s not unusual from a glaciological standpoint.
Volcanologist Professor John Smellie from the University of Leicester also weighed in, suggesting it likely appears as a rocky ridge exposed by ice reduction, with the “doorway” shape forming due to prevailing wind patterns.
Though conspiracy theorists might be disappointed, Professor Smellie reassures it’s a natural phenomenon, not something out of the ordinary.