WORLD SCOPE: EL OJO (Argentina)

What Is “El Ojo” in Argentina?

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• Location & Name l El Ojo is a small, circular island—around 118 to 120 meters in diameter—located in the Paraná Delta wetlands, specifically within Parque Nacional Ciervo de los Pantanos in Buenos Aires Province. Its perfectly round shape, visible from above, is what gives it its name: “The Eye.”

• Unique Physical Traits Unlike typical floating islands composed of loose vegetation mats, El Ojo is remarkably solid and firm. It floats in exceptionally clear water—an uncommon trait in the typically muddy delta—which makes its outline even more striking.

• Movement & Rotation The island doesn’t just float—it also rotates slowly on its own axis, giving the appearance of an “eye turning.” This behavior sets it apart from other floating islands around the world, which generally drift rather than spin.

  
  

How Was It Discovered?

Argentinian filmmaker Sergio Neuspiller first noticed El Ojo in 2016 while scouting locations on Google Earth for a paranormal documentary. Its eye-like appearance in the vast delta caught his attention. Upon visiting in person, he observed that the island floated and rotated—an unexpected and captivating natural phenomenon.

Theories About Its Formation & Movement

While intriguing, the exact cause of El Ojo’s formation and rotation remains unclear:

• Natural origins: Most floating islands are formed from mats of vegetation. In El Ojo’s case, the firm structure is unusual, but erosion and sediment deposition likely played a role.

• Rotation mechanisms: Some hypotheses suggest that water currents, wind patterns, or even subterranean flows could cause the island’s slow rotation. Another idea points to gas emissions—like methane underground—acting as a propelling force. None of these have been confirmed.

  
  

  

  
  

Why It’s So Captivating

• Geometric precision: The island’s nearly flawless circular shape in a wild marshland environment is both rare and visually striking.

• Enigmatic behavior: Floating islands that rotate are virtually unheard of, making El Ojo a unique natural wonder that continues to spark curiosity.

• Ongoing fascination: Its blend of beauty and mystery keeps scientists, filmmakers, and the public intrigued—even as definitive explanations remain elusive.