Nessie hunters urge Nasa to help solve Loch Ness Monster mystery
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The hunt for Nessie is going out of this world after Nasa scientists were urged to bring their tech and expertise to bear in the search for the Loch Ness Monster.
The newly-revamped Loch Ness Centre has teamed up with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE) to announce plans to search the waters of the mysterious loch for its most famous resident later this spring.
LNE, an independent and voluntary research team, says it plans to work alongside hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers to search the loch between May 30 and June 2.
And organisers have urged experts to come onboard and help in their efforts - even calling on scientists, universities and, yes, even Nasa, to provide equipment and expertise in the hunt.
The latest hunt comes on the 90th anniversary of the first organised search for Nessie - and 91 years after the first of her modern day sightings in summer 1933.
Since that first sighting there have been more than 1150 sightings of the beast on the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, and the Loch Ness Centre is hoping science can at last help uncover the mysteries of the loch.
As part of this year’s quest, The Loch Ness Centre and LNE are looking for volunteers to take part in a giant surface watch of the Loch, keeping an eye out for breaks in the water. Volunteers will be briefed on what to look out for and how to record findings.
Over the four days, as well as the search, there will be a number of other activities taking place. This includes a special screening of Loch Ness: They Created a Monster, the new documentary which explores the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and 80s with a special Q&A with the director John MaClaverty. Other events include a live debate with Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration, Roland Watson, a renowned Loch Ness writer, and eyewitness Richard White, as they tell =stories, discuss ongoing research, and dissect eyewitness accounts. All while debating the existence of the elusive monster.
For those wanting to get out on the water as part of the huge search, there is also the chance to explore the depths of the world-famous loch with Deepscan Captain, Alistair Matheson, the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Monster hunters have the chance to join Alistair and renowned Nessie researcher Alan McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration for an extended excursion. They will experience the thrill of utilising a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch.
The Loch Ness Centre, which was reopened last year following a huge renovation, is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel.
Monster hunters unable to attend the search can still get involved in the hunt for the truth, through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. Several cameras have been set up all over the loch for people around all over the world to watch out for the loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife, 365 days a year. When viewing the live cameras, watchers can capture a screenshot directly as well as zoom in to get a better look, and are being asked to share any findings.
Paul Nixon, general manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: “Last year we captured the world’s attention with one of the biggest ever searches for Nessie, with participants joining us from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more. With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, this year we are determined to find out more about the elusive Loch Ness Monster.
“As well as asking for the help of budding monster hunters to help us on our quest, we are asking for the help of experts. We’re excited to make this search the biggest ever, as we look for new equipment to help us uncover the loch’s biggest mysteries.”
Get involved in the quest at lochness.com/the-quest.
To book your trip to The Loch Ness Centre or a spot on a cruise tour visit lochness.com.
