Scientists solve mystery behind noises that haunted generations of lighthouse keepers
Scientists have solved a longstanding mystery behind the noises that have haunted generations of lighthouse keepers.
For generations, workers and fishermen have been baffled by strange, low rumbles echoing across the waters of southeast Alaska.
New research has finally identified the source of these enigmatic sounds as humpback whales, likely sneezing or sighing.
The investigation, conducted near the Five Finger Lighthouse in Frederick Sound, was led by Fred Sharpe, a biologist at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (SETI).
These peculiar noises have reverberated through building structures for decades, yet had never been documented in scientific literature until now.
The precise reason why marine mammals produce these sounds remains unknown.
Whale-generated sounds fall within the frequency range of 30 to 300 hertz, making them audible to human ears.
They can carry across distances of up to five miles.
Dr Sharpe described the noises as resembling distant thunder, the rumble of an elephant, or industrial machinery.
From greater distances, he noted, the sounds take on a "more mechanical" quality.
The identification of these vocalisations could prove valuable for marine conservation efforts.
Scientists believe the discovery may enable better tracking of humpback whale populations and help prevent potentially fatal collisions between the animals and shipping vessels.
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Dr Sharpe suggested the decades-long failure to identify such obvious whale sounds carries broader implications for the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.
He told The Times: "If conspicuous sounds from our beloved whales are falling on deaf ears, goodness knows what cosmic signals might fall under the radar."
The biologist's observation raises questions about humanity's ability to recognise communication attempts from extraterrestrial sources.
Some suggest that if familiar creatures in our own oceans can produce sounds that go unrecognised by science for so long, detecting and interpreting signals from alien civilisations may prove even more challenging than previously assumed.
Dr Sharpe has prior experience in groundbreaking research on whale communication.
He was part of a team that achieved what they described as the first conversation between humans and whales in the animals' own language.
A 38-year-old humpback called Twain engaged with researchers from SETI and UC Davis for 20 minutes, responding to a pre-recorded greeting call known as a "whup/throp" played through underwater speakers.
Dr Brenda McCowan of UC Davis, the study's lead author, noted that Twain adjusted the frequency of her responses to match the broadcast, demonstrating interactive conversational behaviour.
The team believes such research could eventually inform efforts to communicate with alien life forms.
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