Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Atacama Skeleton
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Dec 10, 2025 A mysterious tiny skeleton discovered in Chile led to wild theories of alien origins. Found in an abandoned mining town, its unusual size and shape captivated ufologists. The Atacama Desert's unique climate helped preserve the remains, raising ethical questions about its custody and the need for repatriation. Intriguingly, DNA tests revealed the skeleton to be a human infant with genetic mutations, shattering the extraterrestrial myth. This bizarre blend of science, history, and controversy makes for a fascinating tale!
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Discovery Of The Tiny Atacama Body
- Josh and Chuck describe the Atacama skeleton as a tiny, six-inch preserved body found in La Noria in 2003.
- They note its conical skull and fewer ribs, which sparked immediate UFO speculation.
Why The Desert Preserves Mummies
- The Atacama Desert's extreme dryness and solar radiation naturally mummify remains and preserve soft tissue.
- Josh and Chuck explain why the environment makes preserved finds plausible there.
How The Skeleton Left Chile
- Josh recounts Oscar Munoz's claim he found the skeleton on a shelf in La Noria, though others say it was dug from a burial.
- The hosts call this the first sad ethical issue: the body was taken without proper respect.
