El Ojo is a peculiar floating island located in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina. The island, which resembles a perfectly round eye when viewed from above, floats in the swampy Paraná Delta. It gained attention from filmmakers in 2016 during the production of a documentary in the area.
The island is surrounded by a crystal-clear lake that shares its perfectly circular shape. This unique formation is the result of a slow erosion process between the island and the lakeshore. The island, measuring 387 feet in diameter and consisting of plant matter, rotates on its axis due to a circling current in the lake, widening the water body and shaping its edges into a disk.
Similar to the formation of the ice disk in the Presumpscot River in Maine, El Ojo’s movement is caused by natural forces. The island’s clockwise rotation has puzzled researchers, as it remains unclear how and when it separated from the mainland. Local residents have shared various theories about the island, from legends of ancient deities residing there to claims of UFO sightings and hidden Nazi bases. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these speculations.
Exploring the region, filmmakers discovered the local community’s intriguing beliefs about El Ojo. Despite its mysterious reputation, the island continues to attract interest from scientists and curious visitors alike. While the origin of El Ojo remains shrouded in mystery, its unique features and surrounding landscape make it a fascinating natural wonder worth exploring.
Sascha, a trainee staff writer at Live Science, shares her insights on the remarkable phenomenon of El Ojo. With a background in biology and science communication, she delves into the scientific and cultural significance of this mysterious floating island. Beyond her writing, Sascha enjoys various hobbies, including tennis, bread-making, and exploring hidden treasures in second-hand shops.
