A strange object captured on Google Maps in 2021 has sparked wild rumors about its origin, with some people believing it was a black hole. However, the mysterious patch is actually Vostok Island, one of the islands that make up the Republic of Kiribati in the South Pacific.
The island, which is only 0.1 square miles in size and located around 4,000 miles east of Australia, appears as a dark patch due to its densely populated Pisonia trees. These trees block out most of the light from low Earth orbit, making them appear much darker than they actually are.
Pisonia trees are known to grow so closely together that they prevent other tree or plant species from taking root in between them. This unique growth habit also attracts seabirds, including boobies and frigatebirds, which get covered in sticky seed pods and help disperse the seeds to other islands.
Despite being uninhabited for over 200 years, Vostok Island has a rich history, with Russian explorers discovering it in 1820. The island’s lack of fresh water is likely why it has not had any permanent residents since.
The Google Maps image was initially shared on Reddit and sparked speculation about the object’s origin, including rumors of a deep pit under the planet and a top-secret military base. However, these claims were quickly debunked, with the island being confirmed as Vostok Island.
This incident highlights how easily misinformation can spread online, and the importance of verifying information before sharing it widely.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/rivers-oceans/earth-from-space-a-mysterious-black-hole-in-pacific-ocean-that-sparked-wild-rumors-online