Underwater Exploration Robots from NOAA Uncover hand-painted Mural on an 80-year-old submerged Vessel Remains
Hey there! Let's dive into some deep-sea mysteries, shall we?
Recently, researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stumbled across an astonishing find: a 42-foot by 14-foot mural, preserved for over eight decades beneath the waves, nestled within the USS Yorktown shipwreck. This aircraft carrier famously sunk during a crucial battle in World War II.
Phil Hartmeyer, a marine archaeologist with NOAA's Ocean Exploration Program, joined us to share insights on this incredible find. "The mural is a hand-painted map of our entire planet," explained Hartmeyer, "depicting where the USS Yorktown had completed its activities and operations."
What makes this find so fascinating? For starters, the Battle of Midway, which unfolded just months after the infamous Pearl Harbor attack, took place at the site of the battle- scarred Yorktown. The mural, then, serves not only as a visual history of the ship's trips but also as a poignant reminder of the past.
The artist remains unknown, adding to the mural's allure. As Hartmeyer pointed out, it's an "incredible sort of emotional component to this as one of the last things airmen would see, is this beautiful handpainted journey."
In addition to the mural, researchers discovered a new species of jellyfish during their dive. As Hartmeyer explained, "It just adds to this experience - right? - of how little we know about this just incredibly rich environment."
The ongoing deep sea exploration led by NOAA's Ocean Exploration Program continues to reveal new mysteries and species, painting a picture of the oceanography of these places and the creatures that populate them. So, keep your eyes peeled for more exciting discoveries!
The intriguing mural found within the USS Yorktown shipwreck, preserved for decades, showcases a hand-painted map of our planet, reflecting the environmental science of the era. Moreover, this exploration delves into the unknown depths, uncovering new species like the recently discovered jellyfish, emphasizing the link between technology and the mysteries of sports yet undiscovered in our marine environment.
