Top 10 Unexplained Sounds
Earth has a plethora of unexplained phenomena, which spawned many interesting theories among researchers. As we are naturally good at recognizing sound patterns, some sounds remain strange or unknown. From hums to skyquakes, here are ten unknown sounds that confused scientists. This also includes sounds that were once considered unexplained until their discovery.Unlike blue whales, which usually emit sounds ranging from 10 Hz to 39 Hz, there is an unknown species of whale that emits a higher frequency noise of up to 52 Hz. This sound has been detected since the 1980s in various locations, but the whale itself has never been seen. It is believed to be the only whale that emits this particular noise, hence it's dubbed the "loneliest whale."
Scientists speculate that the whale may either be deaf or born with birth defects. Many pieces of media have also been based on the 52-hertz whale.
Strange underwater noises intrigue people since the majority of oceans remain unexplored. The Bloop is a name for a mysterious, extremely powerful underwater noise detected in the ocean in 1997. The sound starts with a rising frequency, beginning with a rumble, and lasts over a minute, powerful enough to be heard by multiple sensors.
Later, it was widely speculated that the noise may have come from an icequake, as ice masses splitting or calving from each other are associated with the Bloop noise.
First recorded in 1960 in the Southern Ocean, this low yet repetitive frequency noise has been dubbed the "Bio-Duck." The frequency ranges from 60 Hz to 100 Hz, lasting around one to three seconds for each gap. It was also noted that the sound was most frequent in winters.
The origin of the sound remained unidentified for decades until it was discovered that the noise was coming from Antarctic minke whales. Although the purpose of the sound remains a mystery, it's theorized that mating or feeding might play a role in it.
Around February 2016 in Forest Grove, Oregon, a mysterious scream shocked neighbors at night. The noise, which lasted from a few seconds to several minutes, was comparable to a broken train or car brakes and was commonly referred to as a "mechanical scream."
Though it was very annoying to the neighbors, it may not be as mysterious as it sounds. Some speculated it was caused by a gas leak or a faulty water valve, while others suggested more paranormal explanations such as UFOs. However, even the fire department could not pinpoint the origin of the sound. To this day, the noise remains unsolved.
The Colossi of Memnon consists of two massive statues situated in the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, and they have stood for thousands of years. The colossi were believed to ward off evil from the temple of the Pharaoh. In 27 BC, an earthquake destroyed a part of the northern colossus. After this event, the lower part of the statue was believed to sing every dawn, often occurring in February and March.
Although the statues themselves did not sing, the noises were largely connected to heat and humidity affecting the dew inside the stones. Around the year 199, Septimius Severus repaired the statue, and the phenomenon disappeared.
Skyquakes do not refer to the sky shaking, as if it were similar to an earthquake. Instead, it's a phenomenon associated with loud booming noises in the sky. One notable event connected to this phenomenon occurred in Barishal, Bangladesh, in the 19th century, shocking thousands of residents.
No one was able to pinpoint the origin of the sound, as it wasn't connected to any earthquakes or explosions. It was speculated that the noise might have come from a cannon, but there was no nearby conflict that would cause such a noise. Another common speculation is that it could be connected to skyquakes.
This is another unexplained underwater noise detected in the Pacific in August 1991. It consists of a long series of upsweeping sounds, each lasting around a few seconds. The sound is believed to be connected with the seasons, with the highest concentration between spring and autumn.
Although the source has never been pinpointed, it is speculated that it may be related to volcanic activity.
The Hum consists of a persistent, low-tone noise that resembles "humming." Strangely, this phenomenon only affects a few people, yet the noise is reported worldwide. The sound is often described as buzzing or droning.
It has been speculated that the Hum may be caused by industrial activity, tinnitus, or other natural effects, while others suggest secret government activity or extraterrestrial activity. One notable place where the Hum often occurs is the Taos Hum.
This is another eerie underwater sound. It was so loud that the noise spread across the whole Pacific region and was heard for over two minutes. If you listen closely, it sounds as if there was a huge sea monster lurking in the ocean. However, it's believed that a huge iceberg may have crashed into the water from Antarctica.
Along with similar underwater noises such as Julia and the Upsweep, this is another unexplained noise detected by the NOAA in July 1997. The source of the noise remains unknown, but it is believed to come from the Pacific Ocean. Similarly, the noise is attributed to volcanic activities. However, due to the location not being triangulated, it still remains unknown.