Shadow on Google Maps sparks secret military base theory

From rumours of a specialist research hub, to an ancient archaeological site, the mysterious shadow has captured the minds of internet sleuths.

Google Map users have spotted a mysterious shadow at the bottom of a lake, sparking theories that it could be an underwater military base.

The alleged site is way off the beaten tracks in the depths of the Pyramid Lake in Nevada and appears as users zoom out online.

Sleuths believe that the image contains four sections – each differing in length – and is not related to the pyramid-shaped rock at the end of the lake.

Google Maps Pyramid Lake

After being shared on Reddit, people began to debate what the shape could be and whether it had a selective purpose.

Some suggested it could be a restricted military underwater military base that is used for specialist research.

While others pointed to the lake’s long established history – suggesting it may be an abandoned old boat.

The area surrounding the lake is said to be made up of several different peaks, beaches and forests, but all with access to the lake via public roads.

Meanwhile, reports suggest the lake was positioned in an area located just a stone’s throw away from a military installation base – with a path direct between the two.

One Reddit user theorised: “Lots of weird military bases near there, including Naval Underwater Warfare Centre in the middle of the desert. Strange.”

Another added: “Seems like a boat – A military boat which never actually got back to the surface.”

The natural reservoir is a hub for recreational activities like camping, hiking and swimming. Picture: iStock.

Elsewhere a third, familiar with the area, hinted that it might not be related to the military.

They wrote: “There is some good cutthroat fishing there. I used to camp at that lake.”

Among a slew of other theories, records also suggest the area was used as a stand-in for the Sea of Galilee in the 1965 bible-based film, The Greatest Story Ever Told.

There is also evidence that the site was used by archaeologists who believe that humans lived around the lake from 9500BC onwards.

Thus far, tools, weapons, clothing, food and mummies have all been discovered in the vicinity of the mystery lake.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission