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The Taraia Object expedition, a joint effort by the Archaeological Legacy Institute, Purdue Research Foundation and Purdue University, found no conclusive evidence to confirm a hypothesis that wreckage from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra 10-E was in a lagoon on a remote atoll in the South Pacific. The findings mark a new chapter in the ongoing effort to understand what happened to Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan on her round-the-world flight attempt in 1937. While the findings rule out one of the latest hypotheses, they also provide valuable information that will help inform future efforts to solve one of aviation’s greatest...

An expedition to track down Amelia Earhart’s long-lost plane set for early November was pushed until next year . A team of researchers from Purdue University was set to explore Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific and dredge up what they believe may be Earhart’s plane, but encountered difficulties with local authorities when filing their permits — delaying their voyage. Steve Schultz, Purdue University’s senior vice president and a member of the Earhart research team, explained that “maritime expeditions require thorough preparations and numerous clearances.” “We have gained valuable insights throughout this process and are very confident and resolved to...

Researchers from Purdue University are set to travel to the South Pacific to determine if a "visual anomaly" on a remote island is the wreck of Amelia Earhart's lost plane, saying there is "very strong" evidence the object is the iconic aviator's aircraft. Earhart was attempting to become the first female pilot to circle the world when she and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937. Earhart, Noonan and their plane, an Electra 10E, were never found. Recently, President Trump ordered records related to Earhart be declassified. In 2020, researchers looking at satellite imagery identified...

Purdue University will lead a new expedition to locate Amelia Earhart's airplane on Nikumaroro Island in Kiribati, based on a satellite image and evidence suggesting the airplane might be buried in sand.

The Taraia Object is the commonly used name for a visual anomaly in the lagoon of Nikumaroro Island in the south Pacific Ocean. Its location is alongside the Taraia Peninsula, which projects southwestward from the north side of the lagoon. The Object is visible in satellite images, aerial photos, drone footage, and video footage of the lagoon. Its location is directly east of the Tatiman Passage, which connects the lagoon to the open ocean. (Satellite image)