The mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle explained: scientists destroy the popular myth

The stretch of sea between Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda became known for its ominous mystique in the mid-20th century, with boats and airplanes allegedly disappearing. The disappearance of Flight 19, a group of five U.S. Navy bombers on a training mission in 1945, was a particularly significant incident.

In the decades that followed, shipwrecks and airplane crashes were often attributed to the destructive forces of the so-called Bermuda Triangle. But in 1975, Larry Kusche published a book in which he debunked this legend, Science Focus writes.

The author argues that the data on the triangle were inaccurate, exaggerated, or unverified. He concluded that the number of incidents in the area was not very different from any other part of the ocean.

Over the years, people have put forward a number of explanations for these incidents, both natural and supernatural. Some blamed it on technology left over from Atlantis. Others have argued that the triangle is a place of spacetime curvature that sucks objects into a parallel universe.

One of the strangest natural explanations is that methane bubbles released from the seabed capsized ships. However, studies by the US Geological Survey have not recorded significant methane emissions over the past 15,000 years.

The high frequency of hurricanes in the region could have had serious consequences in an era when accurate forecasting allowed pilots and captains to avoid bad weather.

A recent study has suggested that converging storms are capable of generating waves up to 30 meters high, which can sink even large boats. Laboratory simulations have confirmed the ability of such waves to engulf ships, but there is no evidence that they actually occur in the Bermuda Triangle.

Some argue that magnetic anomalies caused sailors and pilots navigating by compass to veer off course. Although no such anomalies have been found, in the early 20th century, true geographic north and magnetic north in the Bermuda Triangle coincided, which could have led to navigational errors.

It is worth noting that the US Coast Guard does not identify any specific dangers in the Bermuda Triangle, and the region does not appear on the list of the most dangerous waters for navigation.

Despite the high intensity of air and sea traffic, as well as frequent hurricanes, there is no statistically unusual number of accidents and disasters in this area.

The real reason why this legend has proved to be enduring is more mundane. People are naturally drawn to mystery, so the first reports of disappearances attracted widespread attention.

As soon as the myth was established, reporters rushed to attribute new disasters to the mysterious forces of the Bermuda Triangle. In recent years, the excitement has subsided, perhaps because modern technology allows us to track ocean and air traffic with greater accuracy.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!