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The mystery surrounding the Loch Ness Monster may be coming to an end, with experts pointing to a simple explanation for the phenomenon that has puzzled the world for decades.
After centuries of speculation, controversial sightings and wild theories, the enigma of the legendary Loch Ness Monster appears to have finally been solved – and the answer is as simple as it is unexpected.
A mysterious natural phenomenon could explain the famous sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, says Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE). He believes that the so-called “standing waves” may be behind reports that have fueled folklore around the mythical Nessie.
Standing waves and the mystery of the lake
McKenna explains that these waves occur when two boat waves, with the same frequency and amplitude, move in opposite directions in the surface of the lake.
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The encounter of these waves results in interference that can create fixed peaks in the water, the so-called standing waves.”The peaks rise above the calm surface of the lake, easily mistaken for protrusions of something emerging from the depths.”, He highlighted.
Images captured by mckenna show the appearance on the southern shore of the lake, at Fort Augustus, where a river meets the body of water. However, recording a standing wave in open water remains a challenge due to the variations involved, such as the size and speed of the boat that generates the waves.
Capturing the phenomenon in the heart of the lake
Despite the difficulties, McKenna is seeking more concrete evidence in the centre of Loch Ness. Frequent reports of standing waves have come from places such as the marina in Urquhart Bay, but the researcher believes that filming the appearance in motion, in the middle of the loch, would be an important milestone.We know that standing waves exist, but we don't yet have natural images of them in action.”, He stated.
The researcher emphasizes that his goal is not only to demystify visions, but to understand as much as possible about the natural characteristics of the lake. For him, local residents have a sharper eye for differentiating common events from illusions that can confuse tourists.
"Those who know the lake and its natural behavior are less likely to be fooled by water conditions and visual effects.”, He stated.
A scientific and open vision of the inexplicable
While McKenna takes a scientific approach, he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of unknown creatures lurking in Loch Ness. At 37 miles long, with water depths of up to 238 feet and low visibility, the loch is, he says, the perfect habitat for a shy animal. “The darkness of the loch is so intense that you could be swimming next to a submarine and not know it,” he said.
The researcher also participated in his personal evolution in relation to the myth. During his childhood, he believed in the plesiosaur theory, but, as time went by, this idea is now less likely. He pointed out that the search for Nessie has involved hypotheses such as giant eels, Greenland sharks, large sturgeons and even catfish, but none of these theories were conclusive.
History and curiosities about Nessie
The legend of the Loch Ness Monster dates back centuries. The first known record dates back to 565 AD, when the mission of St. Columba is said to have encountered a giant creature in the River Ness. However, the modern craze surrounding Nessie began in 1933, when the newspaper Inverness Courier published the story of a local couple who saw a “huge animal rolling and diving to the surface.”
A year later, in 1934, a famous photograph by Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson emerged, showing a long-necked creature emerging from the lake. Decades later, this image was debunked as a hoax by Chris Spurling, one of the people responsible for the staging.
Contemporary records also attract curiosity. In 2001, James Gray photographed something mysterious while fishing on the loch, and blurry images from 1933 taken by Hugh Gray continue to be debated. Despite this, no concrete evidence has been presented to confirm the existence of Nessie.
Hypotheses and alternative explanations
Both scientific and skeptical theories have sought to explain the sightings. Some point to native fish, such as sturgeon, which have features that could be mistaken for reptiles. Others suggest that submerged Scots pine trunks, when bubbling to the surface with gas bubbles, can create shapes that resemble living creatures.
There is also the hypothesis that optical illusions and natural effects on the lake, such as standing waves, are responsible for most of the sightings. Despite this, the lack of a definitive explanation keeps the mystery fascinating.
Lake Exploration Beyond the Myth
The LNE, founded by McKenna, goes beyond the search for Nessie. The volunteer group is dedicated to studying Loch Ness in all its dimensions, from ecology to natural features. “We invite all the details on the loch to join us. Loch Ness is much more than the monstrous,” he emphasized.
For McKenna, the mystery is what makes Loch Ness so special. “What draws us to it is precisely the lack of answers. Nessie represents human curiosity and the desire to discover the unknown.”
The debate over the Loch Ness Monster may never be over, but it continues to inspire scientists, tourists and dreamers around the world. In the meantime, standing waves offer a window into the complexities of this legendary lake.
