Google Earth shows obelisk in Utah desert has been there for years—mystery deepens over its origin,
A strange metal monolith has been found in the remote Utah desert. The discovery has sparked curiosity among UFO enthusiasts, conspiracy theorists, and art lovers.
The structure has reportedly stood there since at least 2015 or 2016.
Officials stumble upon a 12-foot-tall structure
Local officials discovered the shiny, triangular pillar while counting bighorn sheep from a helicopter.
The monolith stands 12 feet tall, rising from the red rocks of southern Utah. Baffled by the finding, officials landed to investigate.
Additionally, they found a metal structure securely installed in the ground. However, there was no sign of who placed it there.
The Utah Department of Public Safety addressed the discovery in a press release.
“It is illegal to install structures or art without authorization on federally managed public lands, no matter what planet you’re from,” the agency stated.
Online sleuths uncover the monolith’s history
News of the monolith quickly spread across the internet.
Many noted its similarity to the mysterious alien structures in “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Officials refused to disclose its location, fearing an influx of visitors. However, internet users soon tracked it down using satellite images.
A Reddit user pinpointed the site by analyzing rock formations in the background.
Google Earth images confirmed that the structure had been present since 2016. Some satellite images suggested it might have appeared as early as 2015.
While, Lieutenant Nick Street of the Department of Public Safety speculated on its age.
“It could have been here for 40 or 50 years. Maybe more. There’s no real way to tell. The material doesn’t degrade easily,” he said.
Was it aliens or an eccentric artist?
The monolith’s origins remain a mystery, but theories abound. Some believe it could be the work of aliens.
Addiionally, others think it may be an undiscovered piece by a late artist.
Many have compared it to the work of John McCracken, a renowned American sculptor.
McCracken, who lived in nearby New Mexico, was known for his sleek, geometric sculptures.
His art featured polished metal surfaces, similar to the Utah monolith.
A representative from the David Zwirner art gallery initially denied that the structure was one of McCracken’s works.
Later, the gallery suggested it could be an authentic piece by the artist. If true, the monolith had remained hidden for nearly a decade.
“The gallery is divided on this,” said Zwirner. “I believe this is definitely by John.”
Speculation and humor surround the discovery
The monolith’s discovery during 2020—a year marked by a global pandemic and turmoil—led to humorous reactions online.
Some joked that it could be a “reset button” for the year. Others quipped that it might contain a COVID-19 vaccine inside.
Pilot Bret Hutchings, who flew over the site, offered his own theory.
He also believed it was the work of a “new wave artist.” “This is the strangest thing I’ve ever come across in my years of flying,” he admitted.
“We even joked that if one of us disappears, the rest should run.”
Utah’s tradition of Land art
Utah has a history of remote art installations. In the 1960s and ’70s, artists created massive structures in desolate landscapes.
One of the most famous is “Spiral Jetty”, a 1,500-foot-long coil of earth and salt, created by Robert Smithson in 1970.
The artwork sits on the northeastern edge of the Great Salt Lake and vanishes depending on water levels.
Despite comparisons, no artist has claimed responsibility for the Utah monolith. It remains in place, undisturbed.
Officials have taken photos and videos but have not removed it.