From ET to Alien, extraterrestrials have been key features of some of the biggest blockbuster hits in history.
Now, one scientist claims he has ‘photographic evidence’ of aliens in real life, courtesy of images from various Mars rovers.
Dr William Romoser, an entomologist at Ohio University , claims to have found several examples of insect-like forms similar to bees on Mars, as well as some reptile-like aliens.
He said: “There has been and still is life on Mars. There is apparent diversity among the Martian insect-like fauna which display many features similar to Terran insects that are interpreted as advanced groups - for example, the presence of wings, wing flexion, agile gliding/flight, and variously structured leg elements.”
While Mars rovers - such as NASA’s Curiosity Rover - have been looking for indicators of organic activity, Dr Romoser claims that they’ve missed ‘clear’ signs of life.
He added: “An exoskeleton and jointed appendages are sufficient to establish identification as an arthropod.
“Three body regions, a single pair of antennae, and six legs are traditionally sufficient to establish identification as ‘insect’ on Earth. These characteristics should likewise be valid to identify an organism on Mars as insect-like.
“On these bases, arthropodan, insect-like forms can be seen in the Mars rover photos.”
While Dr Romoser believes that the photos show insects, not everyone is so convinced.
Speaking to Mirror Online, Nigel Watson, author of the UFOs of the First World War, explained that the insects are likely just rocks.
He said: “This seems more credible than most claims of structures on Mars, yet I'm sceptical that even insects that look Earth-like would be able to survive and live there.
“By now you would expect insects would fly into the view of the Rover, yet all we get are images that 'look like' insects.
“My opinion is that these are probably rocks and pebbles that resemble insects.”
Despite this scepticism, Dr Romoser hopes his 'evidence' will encourage further searches for life on Mars.
He added: "The evidence of life on Mars presented here provides a strong basis for many additional important biological as well as social and political questions. It also represents a solid justification for further study.”
