These structures are typically metal pillars, around 10 to 12 feet tall, and have been found in various locations from deserts to hilltops. The first known monolith was discovered in a remote desert canyon in Utah, and since then, similar monoliths have appeared in Romania, California, and New Mexico.

After  the discovery of that first "monolith," at least 87 similar structures have popped up around the world.

The monoliths have drawn comparisons to the ones depicted in Stanley Kubrick's film "2001: A Space Odyssey," where they were placed by aliens to guide human evolution. While the origins of these real-life monoliths are unknown, they are widely believed to be art installations. Their sudden appearances and disappearances add to their allure, making them a topic of fascination and speculation.

These monoliths have not only become a global phenomenon but also a symbol of mystery and creativity in the modern world.