In a bizarre twist that sounds straight out of science fiction, a 1953 manuscript by renowned rocket scientist Wernher von Braun has resurfaced, claiming that the leader of Mars would be called ‘Elon.’ Elon Musk, known for his Mars colonisation ambitions, shared the revelation on Twitter, adding fuel to the frenzy. Retweeting a post that highlighted this unexpected detail from von Braun’s The Mars Project, Musk simply wrote, “How can this be real?” The manuscript describes a Martian government led by an individual called ‘Elon,’ elected for a five-year term, overseeing a cabinet and working with two parliamentary houses. Musk’s reaction to the manuscript, combining wonder with a hint of self-referencing, seemed to play into his well-established persona of being both a visionary and someone who revels in the spotlight—often with a touch of narcissism.
This peculiar coincidence sent the internet into overdrive, with netizens offering everything from humour to speculation. One user wrote, “Maybe you’re a time traveller or something.” Another chimed in with a pop culture reference: “I think we’re being eased into the reveal that this is indeed a simulation.”
Others delved into etymology and mythology, pointing out the deeper meanings of Musk’s name. One user noted, “Elon means ‘oak tree’ in Hebrew, symbolising strength and longevity. In Celtic mythology, the oak is ruled by Mars!” Another added, “Friendly signs that there are no coincidences.”
Some users linked the manuscript to von Braun’s history, with one reminding the internet, “Didn’t Braun come to America through Operation Paperclip?” Others brought up examples of “aptly named” figures throughout history, including sprinter Usain Bolt and meteorologist Sara Blizzard.
Musk himself didn’t expand on his thoughts about the manuscript, but his reaction was enough to send fans and conspiracy theorists into a spiral. While some joked that the billionaire is destined to fulfil von Braun’s vision, others took it as a fun coincidence that aligns perfectly with Musk’s ambitions to make humanity a multi-planetary species. Whether it’s a universal sign or just an amusing twist of fate, the 70-year-old manuscript has reignited conversations about Musk’s vision for Mars—and his ever-entertaining presence on Twitter.
Who is Wenher von Braun?
Wernher von Braun was a German-American aerospace engineer, best known for developing the V-2 rocket during WWII and later contributing to the U.S. space program. After WWII, he was brought to the U.S. through Operation Paperclip, where he helped develop NASA’s Saturn V rocket, enabling the Moon landing. Despite his controversial Nazi past, von Braun is considered a pioneer of modern rocketry and space exploration, with his work on the “Mars Project” continuing to influence space science today.