Book of Unexplained Mysteries: On the Trail of the Secret and the Strange

The hunter-gatherers of Göbekli Tepe built stone monuments six thousand years before Stonehenge, and the so-called "Wow! Signal" is still a mystery. The Mary Celeste's passengers and crew disappeared mid-Atlantic, and the ship sailed on by itself. These are twenty incredible mysteries that continue to enthral and perplex.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The Enigma of Göbekli Tepe

Six thousand years before Stonehenge, the hunter-gatherers of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey constructed a series of stunning stone monuments that continue to baffle archaeologists and historians. The sheer scale and complexity of the structures, which include towering monoliths and intricate carvings, suggest a level of technological and artistic sophistication that far exceeds the capabilities of the early Neolithic period. One of the most intriguing aspects of Göbekli Tepe is the dating of the monuments. While radiocarbon dating has provided a rough estimate of their age, ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 years, some researchers argue that the structures may be even older, dating back to the Paleolithic or even Mesolithic periods. The lack of a clear archaeological context for Göbekli Tepe has also contributed to its mystery. Unlike other ancient sites in the region, such as Nevali Çori or Çatalhöyük, Göbekli Tepe is located in a remote and inaccessible area, making it difficult to conduct extensive excavations and gather more evidence about its origins and purpose. Some researchers suggest that Göbekli Tepe may have been a religious or ceremonial center, while others propose that it was used for astronomical observations or as a place of gathering for the community. Despite the many theories and hypotheses about Göbekli Tepe, there is still much to be learned about this remarkable site. Ongoing excavations and research are shedding new light on the structures and the people who built them, and it is likely that we will continue to discover new secrets about this ancient civilization for years to come.

The Wow! Signal

In 1977, astronomers at Ohio State University received a strange signal that they initially thought was a radio transmission from deep space. The signal, which was detected on August 15, 1977, had a frequency of 1420.6 MHz and a duration of 72 seconds, which is longer than any known signal from outer space. The signal was named "Wow! Signal" after the exclamation made by one of the astronomers when he first saw the data. Despite extensive searches by astronomers and other scientists, the Wow! Signal has never been detected again, and its origin remains a mystery. Some researchers suggest that it could have been a one-time occurrence caused by a passing comet or other celestial object, while others argue that it could have been a hoax or a misinterpretation of natural phenomena. The Wow! Signal continues to captivate the public and inspire scientific speculation, and it remains one of the most intriguing unsolved mysteries in the field of astronomy.

The Mary Celeste

In 1872, the Mary Celeste, a British merchant ship, set sail from New York for Brazil with a crew of 27 and a cargo of 138 tons. After a routine stop in the Azores, the ship was never seen or heard from again. When the ship was eventually discovered, it was found abandoned and drifting aimlessly in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The mystery surrounding the Mary Celeste has fascinated the public for decades, and it remains one of the most baffling maritime mysteries of all time. The initial search for the ship was unsuccessful, and it was not until several days later that the crew was spotted by a passing ship. When questioned, the crew claimed that they had encountered a massive storm that had destroyed their ship and forced them to abandon it. However, the weather conditions at the time of the Mary Celeste's disappearance were calm, and there was no evidence of a storm or any other natural disaster. The ship's cargo was also intact, suggesting that the crew had not taken any provisions or supplies with them. Some researchers suggest that the crew may have been involved in a mutiny or piracy, while others argue that they may have been victims of supernatural or extraterrestrial forces. The lack of physical evidence and the strange circumstances surrounding the Mary Celeste's disappearance have led to numerous theories and hypotheses, but the mystery remains unsolved.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these twenty incredible mysteries continue to captivate and perplex us, offering a glimpse into the depths of human curiosity and the vastness of the unknown. Whether they are ancient or modern, each mystery presents its own unique challenge and presents the reader with a chance to explore the boundaries of knowledge and imagination. From the enigmatic structures of Göbekli Tepe to the enigmatic signal of the Wow! Signal, from the abandoned ship of the Mary Celeste to the strange occurrences at the Bermuda Triangle, these mysteries remind us of the endless possibilities that exist in the world and the importance of continuing to seek out and investigate the unexplained. As we continue to uncover new evidence and piece together the mysteries of the past, we can only hope that we will continue to be amazed and inspired by the wonders of the universe.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474609517