The notion that the Moon, our natural satellite, might harbor ruins of an ancient civilization or artificial structures has captivated the imagination of many over the years. One of the primary proponents of this narrative in the Spanish-speaking world has been journalist and writer Juan José Benítez, particularly through his 2004 documentary Mirlo Rojo (Red Blackbird), part of the Planeta Encantado series. In this work, Benítez claims that Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin discovered and filmed extraterrestrial ruins in the Sea of Tranquility, a finding allegedly concealed by NASA. Additionally, various photographs—many attributed to NASA—have gained popularity, supposedly showing lines resembling roads, monoliths, and artificial structures. But how credible are these claims? How much truth could there be in all of this? Below, I will explore this topic by combining available information with reasoned analysis, aiming to separate fact from speculation.
Juan José Benítez’s claims and “Mirlo Rojo”
In “Mirlo Rojo”, Benítez presents an alleged 14-minute video showing astronauts exploring ruined structures on the Moon, accompanied by a narrative involving an anonymous informant—a deceased “high-ranking U.S. military official” whom he calls “Red Blackbird.” According to Benítez, these ruins would be evidence of an ancient alien presence, and NASA, alongside the U.S. government, supposedly destroyed these structures with tactical nuclear weapons to prevent “chaos” on Earth. The story has all the makings of a thrilling conspiracy: unseen footage, government secrets, and a massive cover-up.
However, a critical examination of this narrative raises serious doubts. Firstly, the video showcased in “Mirlo Rojo” was later revealed to be a recreation produced by an animation company at Benítez’s request. This is no minor detail: what was marketed as “unseen footage” turned out to be fiction, undermining the credibility of the centerpiece of his argument. Benítez has defended his work by arguing that, while the video may not be real, the story it tells could be, based on testimonies he deems reliable. But this introduces a fundamental problem: the lack of verifiable evidence. The supposed informant, “Red Blackbird,” is anonymous and, according to Benítez, deceased, making independent corroboration impossible. This is a recurring pattern in his works, such as Trojan Horse, where he also relies on mysterious, untraceable sources.
Reasoning beyond what is presented, if a high-ranking military official wanted to reveal a secret of this magnitude, why would they choose a Spanish journalist known for his sensationalist approach over an internationally prestigious outlet like The New York Times or The Washington Post? Furthermore, the idea that the United States used nuclear weapons on the Moon raises logistical and scientific questions. Nuclear explosions would leave detectable traces, such as elevated radiation levels or specific craters, yet no subsequent lunar missions or probes sent by other nations have reported such anomalies. This suggests that the “Mirlo Rojo” story lacks a solid foundation and appears more like a narrative construct than a documented fact.
NASA photographs: Evidence of artificial structures?
Another cornerstone of the lunar ruins theory is the photographs, many attributed to NASA, that show supposed anomalies: lines resembling roads, upright monoliths, and structures that defy natural formations. Among the most well-known are images from Lunar Orbiter 2, which captured what some call the “Blair Obelisks” in the Sea of Tranquility, and other Apollo mission photos showing unusual shadows or geometric shapes.
Let’s examine this closely. The Lunar Orbiter 2 images, taken in 1966, do indeed show elongated shadows that could be interpreted as artificial structures. However, NASA and most astronomers explain these shapes as the result of low-angle sunlight (the Sun was just 11 degrees above the lunar horizon), which exaggerates the shadows of natural rock formations. The human mind tends to seek patterns—a phenomenon known as pareidolia—which could explain why some see “obelisks” where others see mere rocks. Moreover, the Lunar Orbiter cameras were not directly aimed at these supposed structures, limiting clarity and leaving room for subjective interpretations.
As for the “roads” and other structures, many of these images have been analyzed by independent experts. For instance, straight lines could be geological fractures or marks left by meteorite impacts, common on an airless body like the Moon. Monoliths, such as the famous “pillar” seen in some photos, are typically isolated rocks whose shadows create optical illusions. There is no evidence that these shapes are artificial, and modern missions like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which has mapped the Moon with unprecedented resolution, have found nothing to suggest constructions made by an intelligence.
Yet, let’s reason a step further: if artificial structures did exist, why haven’t they been detected by other nations with space programs, such as Russia, China, or India? The Moon is not an exclusive secret of NASA; it has been observed by telescopes and probes worldwide. The absence of independent confirmation suggests that these anomalies are more likely natural or misinterpreted rather than evidence of ruins.
Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP) and other clues
Benítez and other advocates of lunar ruins often cite Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLP)—observations of lights or temporary changes on the lunar surface reported for centuries. Some speculate these could be signs of artificial activity. However, science has yet to fully explain TLP, with the most accepted hypotheses pointing to natural causes like gas releases, micrometeorite impacts, or optical effects. Linking them to an ancient civilization requires a speculative leap unsupported by concrete data.
How much truth is there?
After examining Benítez’s claims and the alleged photographic evidence, it seems clear that the narrative of ruins on the Moon lacks solid support. The “Mirlo Rojo” case collapses due to its reliance on a fabricated video and unverifiable sources, while the photographs, though intriguing, have more plausible natural explanations. This doesn’t mean the Moon is a dull place or devoid of mysteries; it simply means there is no compelling evidence of artificial structures.
However, reasoning leads to a broader reflection: the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. If a civilization had visited the Moon millions of years ago, the passage of time and meteorite impacts could have erased nearly all traces. But this possibility, while fascinating, remains speculative and does not alter the fact that, based on what we know today, there is no credible basis to claim lunar ruins exist.
In conclusion, Benítez’s ideas and the interpretations of certain images appear to be more a product of imagination and the human desire to find the extraordinary than of verifiable facts. The Moon remains a silent witness to our curiosity, but until more substantial evidence emerges, ruins will remain a myth rather than a reality.
A chance encounter will take him far away, on a thrilling adventure full of action and emotion that will change his life... but also the lives of everyone around him…
“Fleeing into silence”: https://a.co/d/7SUfVb3
