'A triangle in the ocean': This mystery void in the Pacific swallows light and kills birds
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Google’s Blackout
A pitch-black triangle in the Pacific appeared on Google Maps, sparking conspiracy theories of military bases, portals, and hidden worlds.
Credit: Google Maps
Light Absorber
Unlike typical islands, Vostok’s dense Pisonia trees absorb nearly all light, creating a void-like illusion from space.
Bird Deathtrap
Pisonia trees produce sticky seed pods that trap seabirds. Weighed down, they die of exhaustion, leaving piles of skeletons behind.
Ghost Island
Despite being discovered in 1820, Vostok has never been inhabited—its lack of freshwater makes human survival impossible.
Conspiracy Frenzy
The internet erupted with wild theories: a government cover-up, a UFO base, or even a hole to Earth’s core.
Credit: Google Maps
Reality Glitch?
Some believed the island was censored by Google, mistaking the natural shadow effect for deliberate digital blacking out.
Credit: Google Maps
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Tropical Monoculture
Most islands host diverse ecosystems, but Vostok is entirely overrun by Pisonia, preventing other plants from taking root.
Exploration Barrier
Thick tree cover and impenetrable vegetation make it nearly impossible for scientists to study the island’s interior.
Nature’s Illusion
While not a portal or government secret, Vostok remains one of the strangest visual deceptions on Earth.
Credit: Google Maps