Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
37m ago

Purdue Backs November Expedition to Probe Nikumaroro’s ‘Taraia Object’ in Earhart Search

The team will use imaging, remote sensing, then excavation to test whether the lagoon anomaly is Earhart’s Electra.

Image
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Archaeological Legacy Institute will lead a roughly 15‑person crew with Purdue University and the Purdue Research Foundation to inspect the Taraia Object on Nikumaroro.
  • Plans call for departure from Purdue on Oct. 30, a rendezvous in Majuro, and a Nov. 4 sea transit to the island, with return expected around Nov. 21.
  • The site will be documented with photos and video before magnetometer and sonar surveys, followed by hydraulic‑dredge excavation if warranted, plus a shoreline debris survey.
  • Researchers say imagery shows the object in 2020 satellite views and in aerial photos as early as 1938, arguing it could be the Electra, while veteran searchers including TIGHAR’s Ric Gillespie dispute the claim.
  • Purdue representatives Sirisha Bandla, Marc Hagle and Steve Schultz will join the field team, as President Trump has ordered the release of U.S. government records related to Earhart.