Ararat anomaly, Unidentified object on Mount Ararat, Turkey.
The Ararat anomaly refers to a formation near the summit of Mount Ararat that appears on aerial photographs and satellite images as an unusual shape within the ice. The object measures roughly 500 feet (150 meters) in length and sits embedded in the glacier on the northwest slope.
American military aircraft photographed an unusual formation on the mountain in 1949 while monitoring the Turkish-Soviet border during the Cold War. Later satellite surveys in the 1990s captured the same site and sparked renewed interest among researchers and explorers.
The location of this mysterious object connects to various interpretations across different communities, from scientific research groups to religious organizations.
Visiting the site is not practical because the area lies within a restricted military zone and Turkish authorities do not permit access. Most observers rely on archived aerial photographs and publicly available satellite imagery to study the formation from a distance.
The formation sits at roughly 15,500 feet (4,700 meters) and remains buried beneath several meters of year-round ice that rarely melts. Some images show parallel dark lines within the structure that have never been explained by geological or glaciological analysis.
GPS coordinates: 39.70278,44.27500
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24
Mount Ararat
2 km
Ishak Pasha Palace
23.8 km
Khor Virap
32.3 km
Iğdır Genocide Memorial and Museum
31 km
Mount Little Ararat
13.3 km
Greater Ararat
2.2 km
Mount Ağrı National Park
14.7 km
Caravanserai of Zor
40.2 km
Saint Hakob of Akori monastery
9.1 km
Surp Hovhannes Church of Artashat
36.1 km
Saint Hakob church
39.4 km
The St. Thaddeus Church
42.5 km
Vazgen Sargsyan House-Museum
39.2 km
Iğdır-Şehir-Stadion
31.2 km
Artashat City Stadium
36.4 km
Ayg Stadium
39.3 km
Armash Important Bird Area
42.9 km
Khor Virap State Sanctuary
32.5 km
St Hakob Church, Mrgavan
37.4 km
Amo Kharazyan Theatre
36.5 km
Meteor Çukuru
33.2 km
St. Hovhannes Church, Mkhchyan
39.9 km
Church in Berkanush
36.7 km
Եկեղեցի Սբ. Աստվածածին
32.3 km
WW2 Monument, Mkhchyan, Ararat
39.9 km
Եկեղեցի
39.3 km
Հուշարձան Երկրորդ աշխարհամարտում զոհվածներին
39.7 km
Եկեղեցի Սբ. Սարգիս (Սբ. Նշան)
42.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes