An intriguing lunar oddity bearing an uncanny resemblance to England’s ancient Stonehenge monument was recently spotted by hobbyist image analyst Scott Waring. Waring discovered the peculiar circular structure while examining a photo from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera showing a large crater on the moon’s surface.
In the image, a conspicuous ring-like formation appears to stand atop a stretch of dark, flat ground within the crater. As Waring noted, the mysterious Moonhenge, as he dubbed it, mirrors the basic shape and layout of the iconic standing stone circle at Stonehenge. However, while the two sites share a similar foundation, the lunar anomaly seems to feature stones encircling the top, akin to Stonehenge’s appearance in antiquity.
Based on his measurements, Waring estimates the lunar site spans about 240 feet wide, somewhat larger than its namesake back on Earth. While striking, experts say the odd spectacle is likely just a case of pareidolia – seeing meaningful shapes and patterns where none exist. Still, Waring speculates whether the formation hints at an ancient lunar civilization lost to time.
Though its true origins remain uncertain, the provocative lunar illusion continues to captivate the imagination and spark questions about humanity’s past among space enthusiasts.