Loch Ness Centre calls on NASA in new monster hunt
It is a long-running hunt to find life in the depths of one of Scotland’s deepest lochs – and now NASA has been asked to help out as a new search for the Loch Ness Monster begins.
The Loch Ness Centre has asked space explorers Nasa, and other scientists and universities, to lend their expertise in a new hunt for the rumoured creature.
Last year, one of the biggest searches of Loch Ness concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings.
The latest search will place on the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness: Sir Edward Mountain’s expedition, from May 30 to June 2.
Since that first expedition in 1934, the Watchers of the Monster, there have been more than 1,156 sightings of the beast on the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register.
Last year, the newly revamped Loch Ness Centre partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, alongside hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers to search the famous waters of Loch Ness.
Organisers are this time asking for experts to help, including scientists and universities, as well as Nasa to provide equipment and expertise in the search.
Paul Nixon, Loch Ness Centre general manager, 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.”
Over the four days, as well as the search, there will be a number of other activities taking place including a special screening of Loch Ness: They Created a Monster, a new documentary that explores the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and ’80s with a special Q&A with 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, while debating the existence of the elusive monster.
There is also the chance to explore the loch with Deepscan captain Alistair Matheson, the skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Monster hunters can join Mr Matheson and Mr Mckenna from Loch Ness Exploration for an extended excursion using a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths.
The Loch Ness Centre was reopened last year following a renovation and is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel.