Researchers investigating a mysterious object on a Pacific island conclude it was likely just trees, not Amelia Earhart's missing plane.
Experts recently investigated a mysterious object on a remote Pacific island. Many people hoped this object was Amelia Earhart’s missing plane.
The team traveled to the Taraia Peninsula on Nikumaroro. They wanted to check a shiny object seen in 2020 satellite photos.
However, Purdue University researchers now a different conclusion. They believe the object was just a group of large trees.
Also, the team found that most of the debris had washed away. Only a small Y-shaped piece remained at the site.
Next, the researchers noted that photos from 1938 show this same object. This helped them understand it was not an aircraft.
Meanwhile, Amelia Earhart disappeared while flying her plane in 1937. She and navigator Fred Noonan vanished during a global flight attempt.
After that, the pair tried to reach Howland Island to refuel. They never arrived at their destination, and the mystery remains unsolved today.
Still, some experts believe Earhart landed on Nikumaroro instead. They think she might have lived there as a castaway after landing.
Then, the current research team faced many challenges during their trip. Rough seas and high winds delayed their work for several days.
Finally, they spent four days on the island searching for clues. Project director Rick Pettigrew said the island keeps its secrets well.
He believes someone will eventually find real evidence. For now, the disappearance of the famous pilot stays a mystery.