Item #: SCP-ZH-716
Object Class: Safe
Special Containment Procedures: On account of the inaccessibility and secrecy of the civilians of SCP-ZH-716, a shielding case for reflecting disguised radio waves was installed above it to prevent detection. Area-32 is responsible for the research and containment of SCP-ZH-716. Other regular astronomy research conducted on the far side of the moon will be arranged to take place in Crater Lipskiy, located 70 kilometers away from the object, in the reason of insufficient space.
Description: SCP-ZH-716 is a rectangular 5×2×1 m beryllium bronze stele. It is located at 0°N 180°E on the moon (the farthest point from the moon's surface to the Earth). The surface of the stele is smooth, and there is an inscription in Archaic Semitic on the largest side facing the south of the moon (see Addendum). Based on the limited resources on the moon and observations of the surrounding environment, it is inferred that the stele possesses indestructible and immovable properties while always remaining standing. Through radiometric dating of the surrounding environment and the presence of micrometeorite craters, it is deduced that SCP-ZH-716 was erected approximately 180,000 to 150,000 years ago.
When personnel gaze at the stele within a range of five meters, an illusion (named SCP-ZH-716-A) will appear around the stele in different directions at various times. The content of SCP-ZH-716-A is a humanoid with a Middle Eastern appearance wearing a purple robe and bronze armor. It does not appear to differ significantly from modern humans except for having six fingers on each hand and an above-average physique. The humanoid holds its left hand up with the second and third fingers pointing forward.
SCP-ZH-716-B refers to the unnatural trace near the stele, which includes a trail of unclear footprints that extend to 500 meters away and disappear. Near where the trail ends, there are four square pits, which are 1 meter in side length and 2 meters deep, and a thin layer of decayed nuclear fallout that was left 70,000 years ago. In addition, there are a total of five sets of similar pits with varying numbers, sizes, and shapes within a 1 km radius of the stele. These pits are estimated to have formed between 100,000 and 75,000 years ago and do not contain any radioactive substains similar to the mentioned set.
Addendum: The content of the inscription on the stele, translated by the historical linguistics division
Those practising the arduous path of exploration
and following the fearless pioneers
Here is the sixth beacon
set by the conquerors of the seven seas
the great elder who traversed all lands
the first one among the stars
If you wish to continue on the path of the glory explorers
Then follow the direction indicated by the fearless darkbreaker
start the journey to the stars
The review of historical records to verify the existence of the "fearless darkbreaker" mentioned in the inscription is ongoing. However, the chances of finding relevant records are slim due to the mass cultural destruction in the late Pleistocene. Therefore, the search for other "beacons" on Earth has been halted due to the lack of substantial leads.
Update: After analysing the directions indicated by SCP-ZH-716-A at different times, it has been confirmed that it is pointing towards the peak of Olympus Mons on Mars. The exploration of this area is now designated as the top priority for the Foundation's Mars exploration mission.
