An expert claims to have a simple explanation for the Loch Ness Monster sightings, possibly solving the long-standing mystery.
The Loch Ness Monster, often called “Nessie,” has been a fascinating topic for many years.
People have claimed to see this mysterious creature in Loch Ness, a large lake in Scotland.
While many sightings have been reported, there has never been solid proof of Nessie’s existence.
Now, a researcher believes he has found a simple explanation for these sightings.
Expert finally offered the simple explanation that may solve Loch Ness Monster mystery
Alan McKenna is the founder of an organization called Loch Ness Exploration (LNE).
He has been studying Loch Ness and its surroundings for a long time.
Recently, he suggested that the so-called sightings of Nessie could be explained by a natural phenomenon known as “standing waves.”
He said: “A standing wave occurs when two boat wakes of the exact same frequency and amplitude are moving in opposite directions on the loch surface.
“When the two boat wakes finally meet and interfere with one another the results have the potential to create a standing wave.”
What are standing waves?
Standing waves occur when two waves meet and create a pattern that seems to stay in one place.
This can happen when two boat wakes, which are the waves left behind by boats, travel in opposite directions.
If these wakes have the same frequency and height, they can combine and form a standing wave.
This wave may rise above the calm water and could be mistaken for a creature’s back or hump.
Alan said: ‘The waves and the boat wake need to be identical.
Capturing the Phenomenon
McKenna explains that when boat wakes collide, they create peaks that can look like humps in the water.
Alan said: “The waves and the boat wake need to be identical.
These peaks might easily trick someone into thinking they have seen Nessie.
He has even captured footage showing this phenomenon near the southern shore of the loch at a place called Fort Augustus.
‘So with all that in mind, there’s now a lot more to consider here such as the boat itself, its size, the direction of travel and its current speed.
‘A small boat with a smaller engine will most definitely produce a wake different from a much larger boat.
‘It’s a complex procedure, especially in open water, but it can happen.’
Mr McKenna now hopes to record the phenomenon happening out over the deep heart of the loch.
He said: “Ali Matheson, skipper of Deepscan, frequently reports standing waves, but more so in the small marina within Urquhart Bay also known as Temple Pier.
“That’s all fine and well, but capturing a standing wave in open water is more difficult.
“We know that standing waves exist and they have been reported but what we don’t have is the footage showing a natural standing wave in motion.”
However, capturing this effect in open water is more challenging.
McKenna notes that the boats’ size and speed can affect the waves they create. For example, a small boat will produce different wakes than a large one.
Because of this, it can be complex to identify standing waves out in the middle of the loch.
An open mind is essential for understanding Nessie.
Despite this new idea, McKenna remains open-minded about the possibility of unknown creatures living in Loch Ness.
He acknowledges that the loch is a vast and deep place, stretching 23 miles long and reaching depths of about 750 feet.
It is possible that large animals could exist in these dark waters without being seen.
The legend of Loch Ness Monster
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster began many years ago.
The first recorded sighting was in AD 565 when an Irish monk named St. Columba reported seeing a giant beast in the River Ness.
Over the years, many people have claimed to see Nessie, leading to various theories about what the creature could be.
Some people believe it might be a surviving plesiosaur, while others think it could be a large fish or even a log floating in the water.
The 37-year-old said: “If there are any unknown animals in Loch Ness then they certainly don’t play by the rules.
“It’s the perfect habitat for a shy animal with 23 miles of cold dark water and around 750ft deep.
“You could be swimming next to a 200ft submarine below the surface and not even notice it right in front of you, it’s that dark!”
McKenna emphasizes that most sightings can likely be explained by natural occurrences, like standing waves.
He believes locals are better at identifying sights than unfamiliar tourists.