Explorer Robert Ballard is set to lead a National Geographic-sponsored search for Amelia Earhart’s plane. Ballard is the same man who discovered the Titanic after a search back in 1985. His experience coupled with his expansive technological resources has left people optimistic about these renewed efforts. The search began last August 7, 2019.
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Ballard’s search begins with one of the more popular theories regarding the disappearance of Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10E aircraft. “There are various theories about where Amelia’s plane landed, and some of them are a little wild,” Ballard told National Geographic. “We’re going with the one that she actually landed.” Specifically, they will be pursuing the theory that instead of landing on the tiny Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean, she and her navigator Fred Noonan veered off towards the nearby island of Nikumaror.
This theory is based off Earhart’s last recognizable radio transmissions, which NatGeo says is an indication “that the plane was flying on a northwest to southeast navigational line that bisected Howland Island.” While the theory has already been investigated numerous times over the years, there is strong confidence in both Ballard’s abilities and technological tools this time around.
NatGeo reports that Ballard’s ship, the E/V Nautilus, is equipped with “a multi-beam sonar on the hull, two [remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)] with high definition cameras, an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV), and multiple drones.”
What are your own theories on Amelia Earhart’s disappearance? Share them with us in the comments!
