The ocean is filled with mysteries that lead to mythical lore.
A recent moonlit harbor excursion led to a conversation that quickly became tales about piracy, exploration, and more.
The stories were shared by a guide from when tall masts & billowing sailings towered above the coastline — and fascinating characters like Barbarossa & Blackbeard sailed the seas.
We could not help but wonder what secrets were hidden beneath the seafloor with lost artifacts and shipwrecks. These sites are often hidden beneath the waves, where humans can’t usually reach them.
One explorer, however, is going to places that no one has ever been before.
Ocean secrets
OceanOneK, at first glance, looks like a diver plunging through the water off the coast of France.
Stanford University researchers designed the robot to travel underwater and explore sunken ships, planes, and submarines. The robot could dive half a mile (852m) under the ocean’s top this year.
The robot’s hands are strong enough to lift and transport priceless artifacts. It also has stereoscopic eyes which capture the world deep in full color.
A touch-based feedback system makes the robot even more unique. The robot’s interactivity allows its users to feel all the sensations they might have if they were diving. This includes moving objects, vases & oil lamps, and water resistance.
Curiosities
Archaeologists discovered telltale timbers that could have been part of a centuries-old shipwreck that inspired “The Goonies.”
In June, a volunteer team discovered above 20 pieces of wood in a cave near the Oregon coast. These timbers were part of the 1693 shipwreck at Santo Cristo de Burgos.
Although the Spanish galleon was not loaded with treasure, local legends and the ship’s mysterious past have been told over time. This may have helped Steven Spielberg to create his 1985 film about Astoria teens searching for pirates’ treasure off the Oregon coast.
This discovery has rekindled interest in finding more wreckage. After all, “Goonies never say die!”
Fantastic creatures
Although they may be the dominant species in Antarctica and South America, penguins also exist in the wilds in Patagonia. Scientists & conservationists devote their lives to these endangered marine birds.
Gentoo and Magellanic penguins provide a beacon for understanding how ecosystems react to climate crises.
Andrea Raya Rey, a marine biologist, stated that the dolphin is the ideal animal to learn more about the ocean.
Overhunting led to the disappearance 200 years ago of Tierra del Fuego’s King Penguin colony. However, they’ve made a surprising comeback.
Watch Sunday’s episode of CNN’s docuseries Patagonia: Life on the Edge of World at 9 pm ET/PT to learn more. The six-part series’ new episodes will be available online on CNNgo daily after airing. CNNgo is also available via our CNN app.
Across universe
Astronomers discovered a “black widow,” a star living in space. This star has grown to astronomical records by feasting on another celestial object.
The neutron star is devouring its companion star, much like the arachnid it names. This dizzying, cosmic lighthouse spins 707 times per second.
The neutron star is the dense, collapsing remains of a massive star. It weighs twice as much as our sun, making it the largest ever observed. These objects can become too heavy and collapse, creating a black hole. This could be the limit of neutron stars.
Dino-mite!
A rare Gorgosaurus is relative to T. rex but has a faster bite and stronger speed. This week, the Sotheby’s auction sold the fossil that is 77 million years old for over $ 6 million.
This is only one of many dinosaur skeletons that have made it to the bidding block. Scientists are concerned about this trend. It’s possible that fossils will be sold and end up in private collections. This means paleontologists won’t have the opportunity to study them.
The identity of the person who bought the “fierce Lizard” is unknown. However, the buyer will be able to identify it.
