Harvard scientist demands explanation after mysterious cylinder spotted on Mars

Jen Thomas
2026-03-15T16:21:00.643Z
News

A 'shiny' object has been spotted on the surface of Mars

A scientist is wanting to know how, and why, a 'shiny' object came to rest on the surface of Mars.

Is it proof of extra-terrestrial life, or is it just space rubbish? That's what Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb wants to know.

The discovery was made when scientists reviewed photos which were taken by by NASA’s Curiosity Rover back in 2022.

In Gale Crater, near the Red Planet’s equator, there's an oddly shaped item which some have likened to a party hat, strewn on the ground.

The object is described as being roughly around 20 centimetres in length, and it is also flat on one end.

An amateur researcher by the name of Rami Bar Ilan first noticed the possible debris in the photo and brought it to Loeb's attention.

The surface of mars is craggy, making the object stand out more (NASA)

Loeb revised the photographs, and flagged the strange presence on March 8.

The astrophysicist wrote in a Medium post: “Should we just assume that the mysterious cylinder is human-made debris and move on or turn back the rover to figure out whether its origin is different?”

Loeb wants NASA to dispatch the Curiosity Rover to investigate the finding.

The Rover is currently about 5 miles away, over on Mount Sharp on Mars.

The scientist believes it is most likely actually rubbish that has been dropped there, and wrote: “The most likely explanation is that it corresponds to human-made debris."

Loeb told the New York Post: “In my opinion, NASA should prioritize going back to examine the cylinder relative to the more mundane tasks of the Curiosity rover is pursuing."

“NASA is funded by the taxpayers and if we poll taxpayers they would likely agree with me that understanding the origin of the mysterious cylinder should be the top priority of Curiosity,” Loeb concluded.

Craters on the surface of Mars (Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

The object hasn't yet been officially identified by NASA, but Loeb wonders if the cone is part of the Curiosity Rover which has fallen off or been shed along the way.

This isn't the only thing Curiosity has found.

According to Science Alert, the Rover accidentally broke open a rock and found crystals inside.

The Curiosity Rover isn't a small thing, weighing in at 1,982lbs (or 899kg) and rolled over the rock, causing it to crack open and revealed yellow crystals of brimstone inside.

This is the first time sulphur has been found in its pure form on Mars.

The rock was based in the Gediz Vallis Channel on the planet, and apparently photos have shown it looks like there are many more of these rocks around, suggesting there is plenty of sulphur.