Users of Google Maps have identified a mysterious face on a mountain top in Chile's southern region, leading some to speculate about its origin, including theories of an alien base. Scott C Waring, a UFO enthusiast, promoted the idea of extraterrestrial involvement. However, scientists assert that such interpretations often stem from a common perceptual phenomenon. The brain tends to interpret complex structures and patterns as recognizable forms, which can result in misperceptions, especially in geological formations similar in appearance to human faces.
"Eagle-eyed Google Maps users have spotted a mysterious face on a mountain top in Chile. The face is located on a remote island right at the south of the country - and some viewers claim it could be an 'alien base'."
"While Mr Waring believes this could be an alien base, not everyone is convinced. In fact, scientists say there is a much simpler explanation for this confounding illusion."
"There's a very good reason why all sorts of geological structures get mistaken for faces or skulls. When faced with a structure containing intricate and varied patterns, the brain turns this noisy, dynamic information into patterns and objects that we can understand."
"Our face detection system has evolved to be great at detecting faces, but sometimes certain predispositions cause errors which disturb our perceptions."
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