23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Alien Throne

The Alien Throne, a bizarre rock formation in New Mexico, has a terrestrial explanation. Most of the surrounding limestone landscape was eroded by rain, but the tower’s sturdy dolomite seat protected the sediment beneath from a similar fate.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: New Mexico, United States of America
Copyright: © Nathan Myhrvold