Controversial Theory Suggests Ancient Martian Civilization Was Destroyed by Nuclear Catastrophe
A provocative theory proposed by a Harvard-affiliated physicist posits that an advanced civilization may have once existed on Mars and was annihilated by a large-scale nuclear event. Dr. John Brandenburg, who first introduced this hypothesis in 2011, suggests that Martian societies—referred to as the Cydonians and Utopians—were wiped out by what he characterizes as a catastrophic thermonuclear attack.
Dr. Brandenburg theorizes that evidence of this event remains visible on the Martian surface, pointing to the planet’s distinct reddish appearance. While commonly attributed to iron oxide, he argues that the coloration might also be a result of radioactive fallout from ancient explosions. He further asserts that chemical signatures found on Mars bear resemblance to those observed at nuclear test sites on Earth.
A key element in Brandenburg’s argument involves the presence of Xenon-129—a stable isotope associated with nuclear detonations. According to his research, unusually high concentrations of this isotope in the Martian atmosphere support the idea of past nuclear activity. He claims that the isotopic composition of Xenon-129 on Mars significantly deviates from the consistent pattern found across the rest of the solar system.
Despite the intrigue surrounding this theory, it remains a subject of contention within the scientific community. Critics emphasize the absence of clear physical evidence—such as craters or definitive blast remnants—needed to support the claim. Additionally, the initial publication of Brandenburg’s findings appeared in a lesser-known scientific journal, raising concerns about the rigor of the peer review process.
The theory has recently resurfaced in public discourse, where it has been discussed in various forums. One commentator, philosopher and science fiction author Jason Reza Jorjani, reiterated Brandenburg’s findings during a recent interview. Jorjani aligned himself with the theory, citing the Xenon-129 concentrations as highly unusual and characteristic of thermonuclear explosions. He further linked these claims to unverified intelligence documents that allegedly reference former intelligent life on Mars and the possibility of its decline due to internal conflict or systemic failure.
While space agencies have acknowledged the detection of unusual isotopic readings on Mars, such as higher-than-expected levels of Xenon-126 in regions like Cydonia, their explanations attribute these to natural geological processes. According to their analyses, the chemical elements could be released through impacts or the gradual emission of gases from Martian soil and rocks.
No official confirmation has ever been provided by governmental entities regarding the existence of life on Mars, past or present. Nevertheless, proponents of the theory point to historical intelligence activities, including remote viewing experiments reportedly commissioned during the 1980s, as further indirect support for the possibility of a once-inhabited Martian world.
Though regarded as speculative by mainstream scientists, the theory continues to capture interest among researchers and the public alike, inviting ongoing debate about the Red Planet’s mysterious past.
