Bizarre Triangle Spotted in Nevada Desert on Google Earth

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A bizarre triangular shape spotted in the Nevada desert on Google Earth has sparked theories about an ancient lost civilization, but experts say it is likely the remnants of an old airfield from the 1930s and 1940s.

Why it matters

The discovery highlights how readily available satellite imagery can fuel speculation about unexplained phenomena, even when more mundane explanations may exist. It also speaks to the enduring human fascination with uncovering lost or hidden civilizations, especially in remote desert regions.

The details

The triangular shape, located southwest of Battle Mountain, Nevada, was spotted by conspiracy theorists who believe it could be evidence of a 'mothership' or 'former pyramid' from an ancient civilization. However, the more likely explanation is that it is the remnants of the Buffalo Valley Intermediate Airfield, a triangular airfield common in the area during the 1930s and 1940s that has since been unpaved and left as a faint outline on the desert floor.

• The airfield was built in the 1930s and 1940s.
• The triangular shape was spotted on Google Earth in 2026.