A man in Panama claims he’s found a meteorite with an “alien life” form growing on it and said he has the video to prove it. While critics argue it’s an elaborate hoax, some scientists say that it is a naturally occurring phenomenon.
Mystery rock sparks internet debate
Video of the mysterious rock has now gone viral with millions of views and sparked debate across social media over the origin of the so-called “Panama alien meteorite.”
The claims first came to light late last month, when a TikTok user, known as @kinpanama, shared footage of an object that he said landed in his backyard, claiming it is an “interplanetary visitor.”
The man’s claims
The videos at first show the rock as an ordinary object, but within 72 hours, @kinpanama claims the rock began to produce a greenish-yellow gooey substance that eventually turned black. The man said that the rock also began to smell like something “burning.”
Some TikTok users have nicknamed the substance “Venom” after Spider-Man’s comic book nemesis. Others said they were concerned that this man had a mysterious “life-form” in his home.
@kinpanama claims authorities have since taken samples of the meteorite but there has been no confirmation of this happening. Neither Panamanian authorities nor any academic institution has backed up the social media user’s claims.
According to the Economic Times, some scientists speculate the rock may be Clathrus archeri, a fungus also known as the Devil’s Fingers or Octopus Stinkhorn. The fungus looks similar to ordinary rock before changing into black, tentacle-like growths and often is accompanied by a foul smell.
Others say it’s a hoax
Others on social media have accused @kinpanama of faking the entire incident. Users questioned whether he used props or manipulated the movements of the rock. Some have even accused the man of producing the videos using artificial intelligence.
Critics also accused @kinpanama of inconsistencies in his recordings.
Skeptics pointed out that after getting millions of views, several of @kinpanama’s videos were removed from TikTok, which some said is a sign that the whole thing is a hoax.
Others have defended him, arguing that the sudden stardom of his footage may have scared him off.
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