The Loch Ness Centre calls on NASA in new search for Nessie

The Loch Ness Centre is asking for scientists, universities and even NASA to provide their expertise in a renewed search for the famous monster.

It is a long-running hunt to find life in the depths of one of Scotland’s deepest lochs - and now Nasa itself has been asked to help out as a new search for the Loch Ness Monster begins.

The Loch Ness Centre, in the Highlands, has asked space explorers Nasa, and other scientists and universities, to lend their expertise in a new hunt for the rumoured creature.

Last year, one of the biggest searches of Loch Ness concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings.

Nessie’s anniversary

The latest search will place on the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness: Sir Edward Mountain’s expedition, from May 30 to June 2.

Since that first expedition in 1934, the Watchers of the Monster, there have been more than 1,156 sightings of the beast on the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register. Last year, the newly revamped Loch Ness Centre partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, alongside hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers to search the famous waters of Loch Ness.  Organisers are this time asking for experts to help, including scientists and universities, as well as pioneers of exploration Nasa to provide equipment and expertise in the search. With this new equipment, the Loch Ness Centre is hoping science can help uncover the mysteries of the loch and the unexplainable sightings since the legend of Nessie began 90 years ago. 

Paul Nixon, Loch Ness Centre general manager, said: “Last year, we captured the world’s attention with one of the biggest ever searches for Nessie, with participants joining us from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more.

“With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, this year we are determined to find out more about the elusive Loch Ness Monster. As well as asking for the help of budding monster hunters to help us on our quest, we are asking for the help of experts.

“We’re excited to make this search the biggest ever, as we look for new equipment to help us uncover the loch’s biggest mysteries.”

The quest to spot Nessie

Over the four days, as well as the search, there will be a number of other activities taking place. This includes a special screening of Loch Ness: They Created a Monster, a new documentary that explores the monster-hunting frenzy at Loch Ness in the 1970s and ‘80s with a special Q&A with director John MaClaverty. Other events include a live debate with Alan McKenna, from Loch Ness Exploration, Roland Watson, a renowned Loch Ness writer, and eyewitness Richard White, as they tell stories, discuss ongoing research, and dissect eyewitness accounts, while debating the existence of the elusive monster.

There is also the chance to explore the depths of the world-famous loch with Deepscan captain Alistair Matheson, the skipper for the Loch Ness Project. Monster hunters can join Mr Matheson and Mr McKenna from Loch Ness Exploration for an extended excursion. They will experience using a 60-foot hydrophone to listen for mysterious sounds echoing from the depths of the loch.

The Loch Ness Centre, which was reopened last year following a huge renovation, is located at the old Drumnadrochit Hotel, where, 90 years ago, hotel manageress Aldie Mackay reported seeing a “water beast” in Loch Ness – sparking modern day interest in the phenomenon. Continuum Attractions, which operates award-winning attractions all over the UK, invested £1.5 million in creating an immersive experience with interactive elements at the site.

The hunt for Nessie continues, 90 years on

Monster hunters unable to attend the search can still get involved in the hunt for the truth, through the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. Several cameras have been set up all over the loch for people around all over the world to watch out for the loch’s most famous inhabitant, as well as other local wildlife, 365 days a year. When viewing the live cameras, watchers can capture a screenshot directly as well as zoom in to get a better look, and are being asked to share any findings. 

Find out more by visiting the Loch Ness Centre website.