Tag Archives: Baltic Sea UFO

Underwater Pyramid: What is the Galilee Anomaly?

Posted on by

Recently, a team of researchers discovered a giant underwater pyramid beneath the Sea of Galilee. What is the Galilee Anomaly?

What is the Galilee Anomaly?

Well, it looks like we’ve got another Baltic Anomaly on our hands. Here are the details. During the summer of 2003, a sonar survey captured an image of a large cone-shaped structure in the southwest part of the Sea of Galilee. Almost ten years later, divers finally investigated the strange underwater pyramid.

They found “a conical stone pile built of large, natural, unhewn basalt cobbles and boulders” at a depth of 220 meters. The underwater pyramid rises 10 meters off the seafloor with a diameter of 70 meters. Incidentally, the individual boulders show no signs of human activity.

“Close inspection by scuba diving revealed that the structure is made of basalt boulders up to 1 m long with no apparent construction pattern. The boulders have natural faces with no signs of cutting or chiselling. Similarly, we did not find any sign of arrangement or walls that delineate this structure.” ~ Yitzhak Paz, Moshe Reshef, Zvi Ben-Avraham, Shmuel Marco, Gideon Tibor, and Dani Nadel, A Submerged Monumental Structure in the Sea of Galilee, Israel

Underwater Pyramid: Manmade or Artificial?

Although the boulders show no signs of being worked, the team is convinced this underwater pyramid is a manmade structure. The reason? It appears unnatural and other basalt boulders were not found in the area.

“The shape and composition of the submerged structure does not resemble any natural feature. We therefore conclude that it is man-made and might be termed a cairn. The boulders had to be transported at least a few hundred metres from the nearest basalt outcrop.” ~ Yitzhak Paz, Moshe Reshef, Zvi Ben-Avraham, Shmuel Marco, Gideon Tibor, and Dani Nadel, A Submerged Monumental Structure in the Sea of Galilee, Israel

They think the structure was built on dry land, possibly more than 4,000 years ago. This would match up with other megalithic architecture in the area. But while those ones were spared, the Galilee Anomaly was eventually washed over by the Sea of Galilee. Incidentally, the structure is located a mile north of the ancient city of Khirbet Kerak.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

The Galilee Anomaly, as I like it call it, is an exciting discovery. But I’m not fully convinced this underwater pyramid is manmade. Just because it appears unnatural doesn’t mean it is unnatural. I’ve touched on this in a previous article, namely how people tend to think certain angles, shapes, and rock formations can’t exist in nature.

“After all, right angles don’t exist in nature right? Wrong. The right angle, contrary to popular opinion, does exist in nature. It’s not some secret invention of mankind. It is just as likely to appear in nature as any other angle. However, nature shows no bias toward the right angle while mankind, on the other hand, makes extensive use of it. Thus, when we see right angles in nature, we’re inclined to immediately suspect artificial origin.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: Is it Natural…or Artificial?

Also, the team has yet to conduct a full search of the underwater pyramid. There may yet be signs of a basalt outcropping in the area. Until the team conducts a full archaeological excavation, it will be impossible to know for sure.

The Baltic Anomaly: The Fire and Ice Theory?

Posted on by

The strange Baltic Anomaly has baffled the world for over a year. Recently, the Ocean X Team returned to the Anomaly in order a conduct a new investigation, spurring renewed rumors and speculations in the process. But what is it? Is it something artificial? Or is it a natural formation made from…fire and ice?

The Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Since that time, the Ocean X Team has gone on a second expedition, released a few photographs and some video, and provided lots of mysterious information via interviews conducted primarily with the Team’s UFO-centric Facebook community as well as websites devoted to UFOs. However, very little concrete data has emerged. Skeptics, including us, have questioned whether or not the Baltic Anomaly is a “hoax” of sorts.

The Ocean X Team has vigorously defended itself from charges of a hoax. They claim to be ordinary treasure hunters who happened to stumble upon a strange mystery. They have assured the world that they want answers just as badly as everyone else.

Outstanding Physical Mysteries?

Let’s get one thing straight…the Baltic Anomaly “evidence” available to the public is quite limited and of very poor quality. Most of the information is in the form of unsubstantiated testimony. Unfortunately, some of this testimony has changed over time (for example, the mysterious “egg shaped” hole is now referred to as a perfectly round hole). Other pieces of this testimony are highly speculative, such as reports of malfunctioning equipment and other odd phenomena. That being said, here are a few of the “physical mysteries” surrounding the Baltic Anomaly.

  • Strange Shapes: One end of the Circle has a rounded, circular shape. The top of the Circle contains numerous right angles and carved pathways which apparently resemble the shapes of “corridors,” “rooms,” and even a “staircase.
  • “The Hole: There is a hole on top of the Circle. In its initial statement, the Ocean X Team described it as “egg shaped.” More recently, Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, referred to it as “round.
  • The Fireplaces: The Team photographed several circular rock formations on top of the circle which resembled “small fireplaces.” The stones were covered with something that looked like soot. Stefan Hogeborn, one of the divers, described them as being “like four or five pearl necklaces with stones, each a few decimeters in diameter.” For reference, a decimeter is equal to roughly four inches.
  • Mysterious Stone Samples: The Team collected two stones from the area. One of the stones was apparently indigenous to the region but normally found under the Earth’s crust. The other stone was common to the mid-Atlantic.
  • Odd Materials: The Circle’s exterior was initially described as resembling sandstone. Lately, it has been described as “granite.” When divers broke off a piece, they discovered the inside was black, like volcanic rock.
  • Volcanic Activity: No known volcanoes exist in the Baltic Sea. However, the Team spotted a 50-meter tall mountain that resembles a “black smoker” several miles from the Circle. The Ocean X Team also believes magma resides underneath the Circle and in the vicinity.

Fire & Ice

There are well over a dozen theories by now which attempt to explain the Baltic Anomaly. They range from the natural (pillow lava, rock formation) to the artificial (a shipwreck, an artifact of an ancient civilization, a forgotten Nazi sub trap, and even a sunken UFO).

We’ve gone on record stating our opinion that the Circle may have been formed by several extinguished “black smokers.” We’ve also pointed out how the last Ice Age could’ve formed the “small fireplaces.” However, we haven’t really taken the time to put these pieces together into one comprehensive theory. So, here it goes…we believe the Circle was formed by “fire and ice.”

We are currently in an ice age, known as the Pliocene-Quaternary glaciation. It started 2.58 million years ago. During this period, ice sheets have advanced and retreated on a cyclical basis. To make a long story short, the area now encompassed by the Baltic Sea was heavily eroded during these cycles, eventually forming a deep basin.

While covered in ice, we believe a sort of subglacial submarine eruption took place in the area now encompassed by the Baltic Anomaly. This could’ve been accomplished via now-extinguished hydrothermal vents or via a normal submarine eruption.

Magma and/or dissolved minerals was expelled into the thick ice sheet. It was hot enough to melt out space underneath the ice. However, it wasn’t hot enough to melt a hole through it. Thus, a large subglacial mound formation known as pillow lava was created. The video below, from the movie “Pele Meets the Sea,” shows pillow lava flowing underwater off Hawaii’s coast. This particular lava erupted on land and flowed into the ocean. However, underwater pillow lava probably forms in a similar manner.

And that’s it. In other words, we think the Baltic Anomaly is most likely an ancient pillow lava formation, created by the interaction of fire and ice.

Back to the Outstanding Mysteries…

But how does the “fire and ice” theory hold up to some of the outstanding mysteries we listed above? Let’s take a look…

  • Strange Shapes: According to the Encyclopedia of Volcanoes, “the glassy surfaces of pillows are not smooth but have cracks, corrugations, and linear grooves, many of which intersect at right angles.” Also, lava pillows “are found in a wide variety of shapes including near-spherical bulbous pillows.”
  • The Hole: This could be the remains of an extinguished hydrothermal vent. Also, sometimes lava “pushes aside a portion of the outer pillow crust and drains out through the hole to form a spilled pool outside the broken pillow.”
  • The Fireplaces: The “fireplaces” might actually constitute moraines. In other words, as the ice sheets retreated from the pillow lava, small rocks slid down a cone of ice to form a circular shape on top of it.
  • Mysterious Stone Samples: The stone normally found under the Earth’s crust could’ve been driven to the surface by the submarine eruption. The other stone could’ve arrived in the area via any number of normal means.
  • Odd Materials: The chipped, granite-like surface of the Circle is consistent with what one would expect to find at a pillow lava formation. Also, the black interior could be explained by a heavy presence of sulfide. Incidentally, sulfide would also explain the substance “resembling soot” which covered the rocks dotting the exterior.
  • Volcanic Activity: The 50-meter tall mountain resembling a “black smoker” indicates the presence of volcanic activity in the region. Also, although no known volcanoes exist in the Baltic Sea, geothermal heat is actually fairly common. Regardless, if the “fire and ice” theory is correct, the volcano or black smoker would’ve existed thousands of years ago when ice lasted covered the Baltic Sea.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Take

So, there you have it. Unfortunately, the lack of concrete information makes it difficult to provide much in the way of extensive analysis. However, the “fire and ice” theory appears to explain most of the outstanding physical mysteries surrounding the Circle.

The Ocean X Team is currently on-site, investigating the Anomaly. They are expected to return in late July.

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

 

The Baltic Anomaly: The Original Ocean X Team?

Posted on by

The ultra-strange Baltic Anomaly has baffled the world for over a year. It was discovered by a group of treasure hunters calling themselves the Ocean X Team. But where did the Team come from? And how did they first achieve fame in the treasure hunting world?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Since that time, the Ocean X Team has released a few photographs and provided lots of mysterious information via interviews. However, very little concrete data has emerged. Skeptics, including us, have questioned whether or not the Baltic Anomaly is a “hoax” of sorts.

In our view, the Anomaly has intriguing profit potential. The Team has a documentary deal with Titan television. They’ve gained valuable equipment and funds via sponsorships with Ocean Modules, SeaLabs, and Silvercrest Submarines (this equipment has also been used to search for other wrecks). In addition, they’ve indicated a desire to use a new submarine to take wealthy tourists to view the Baltic Anomaly close-up.

The Ocean X Team has vigorously defended itself from charges of a hoax. They claim to be ordinary treasure hunters who happened to stumble upon a strange mystery. They have assured the world that they want answers just as badly as everyone else.

The Champagne Wreck

In 1916, the Swedish schooner Jönköping sailed out of Gävle, on route to Finland. In her cargo holds, the Jönköping carried “4400 bottles of 1907 Heidesieck Champagne ‘Goût Americain’, 67 large barrels of Cognac and 17 regular barrels of wine.”

At the time, Europe was broiled in World War I. Thus, the Jönköping’s alcohol was meant for Russian officers. However, the schooner was stopped by SM U-22, a German submarine. Since the Jönköping also carried some railroad-related “war materials,” the submarine’s officers chose to sink it.

In 1994, Claes Bergvall and Peter Lindberg discovered information about the wreck in local court archives. Three years later, they discovered it under 210 feet of water using side-scan sonar. Apparently, the hull was in excellent shape. Claes and Peter formed a company named C-Star and proceeded to acquire the rights to the cargo.

C-Star divers started to salvage the champagne bottles. Remarkably, the corks had stayed in place and the icy conditions of the Baltic Sea had kept the alcohol well-preserved.

“French experts who tasted some of the champagne recovered earlier have rated it exceptional and ideally preserved by the cold, dark Baltic.” ~ John Acher, Yo-Ho-Ho, Sea Salvagers find Champagne, Cognac

At the same time, C-Star announced their ambitious places for the ship. They wanted to raise it to the surface, salvage the rest of the alcohol, and turn it into a floating museum of sorts. However, bad weather thwarted their efforts.

In 1998, disaster struck. A Finnish businessman named Peter Fryckman took out a ship, hired some divers, and began salvaging the bottles for himself. Although he had no salvage rights to the ship, Fryckman claimed some of the bottles rightfully belonged to his great-grandfather, and thus to him.

He was unable to prove his claim however, and on July 3, 1998, Fryckman’s team was forced to abandon the site. Claes and Peter proceeded to poach Fryckman’s divers in exchange for 25% of the haul. In turn, Fryckman began auctioning off his illegally-obtained bottles.

On July 24, C-Star successfully lifted the Jönköping off the bottom. The cargo was removed from the wreck. However, the ship was determined to be unsuitable for a museum ship. Thus, it was dumped back into the Baltic Sea.

Apparently, the barrels of cognac were unrecoverable. We’re not sure about the wine. However, a Christie’s auction in October 1998 hints that the 2,000 champagne bottles might’ve been worth around $8 million dollars at that time. For those of you who are interested, Peter Lindberg wrote a book about the project in 2003.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

We don’t know whether or not Dennis Åsberg, the other co-founder of the Ocean X Team, was part of C-Star in 1997. His name is not listed in any of the articles we’ve read. Still, C-Star can easily be viewed as a sort of predecessor to the Ocean X Team.

When they first “saw” the Baltic Anomaly, Peter and Dennis were searching for a shipwreck similar to the Jönköping. According to various media reports, this wreck contained cases of an extremely rare brand of champagne. We suspect it was the Louis Roederer Crystal, referred to by the Ocean X Team as the Tzar’s champagne.

C-Star shares some similarities with the current Ocean X Team. First, they were big dreamers. Raising a ship off the bottom of the seafloor was fairly audacious. Wanting to create a floating museum out of it was even more audacious. It brings to mind the Ocean X Team’s massive publicity campaign and lucrative tourist-centered plans for the Baltic Anomaly.

Second, C-Star overcame large odds to achieve success. They fended off a rival treasure hunter and managed to recover a valuable cargo. And although we’ve been critical of the Ocean X Team, the fact remains that they’ve conducted an initial investigation, complete with some photos, of the Anomaly. Incidentally, Peter Lindberg revealed last night during a chat with the Team’s Facebook group that initial analysis of samples taken from around the site (but not from the Anomaly itself) have been completed. One rock is apparently common to the Baltic region but is normally found under the Earth’s crust (which might give some credence to our black smoker theory). Another rock is supposedly typical to the mid-Atlantic seafloor.

Will the Ocean X Team ever solve the mystery behind the Baltic Anomaly? In all honesty, we remain skeptical. However, the Team is planning another expedition for July 10. They hope to recover rock samples from the Anomaly as well as possibly investigate a second site (the so-called Window). Hopefully, we’ll know more at that point.

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: What is the Secret Wreck?

Posted on by

For over a year, the strange Baltic Anomaly has baffled the world. A recent expedition turned up more questions than answers. Now, word has leaked of a second, secret salvage project. Just what is going on here?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Since that time, the Ocean X Team has released a few photographs and provided lots of mysterious information via interviews. However, very little concrete data has emerged. Skeptics such as us have questioned whether or not the Baltic Anomaly is a “hoax” of sorts. True believers, along with the Ocean X Team, have retaliated by attacking the credibility of the skeptics.

Is the Ocean X Team working on a Second Project?

On June 1, the Ocean X Team set sail for the Baltic Anomaly. At the time, we were under the impression that the sole purpose of the expedition was to investigate the Anomaly.

Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, recently sat down for an interview with Linda Moulton Howe at Earthfiles. At one point, he discussed how the Team’s Blueview sonar equipment stopped functioning while located above the Anomaly. He then mentioned that the equipment worked a few days later while at “another undersea wreck project.”

Wait…hold on a second there. Another undersea wreck project?

The Ocean X Team spent somewhere between 10 to 14 days in two separate trips supposedly investigating the Baltic Anomaly. We always thought that seemed like a rather long time for a diving expedition. After all, they already knew its location. So, we’re curious…how long did the Team actually spend at the Anomaly? What is this other “wreck?” And how much time did they spend searching for it?

We should note that when the Team first discovered the Anomaly, they were searching for three shipwrecks sunk by German U-boats during World War I. These wrecks were believed to contain valuable caches of champagne, spirits, and cognac. At the very least, it would appear the publicity surrounding the Baltic Anomaly served a dual purpose, providing funds and new equipment via sponsorships for the Team to continue its search for these wrecks.

Other New Developments?

Here are some other thoughts about the Earthfiles interview.

  • Radiation: The Ocean X Team reported that radiation in the vicinity of the Anomaly was 20x normal levels. Not dangerous, but still quite curious.
  • Circular-Shaped: Lindberg continues to describe the Anomaly as a “circular-shaped object.” Many true believers even trumpet its shape as a “perfect circle” and use that as a way of claiming the Anomaly is of artificial origin. However, the original side-scan sonar image, as well as the drawing above, paint a different picture. Hopefully, the next expedition will bring in a new side-scan sonar image of the entire Circle. Speaking of which…
  • The Next Expedition: The Ocean X Team will begin another expedition to the Baltic Anomaly on July 20. They hope to produce a new 3D image of the Circle as well as investigate another feature at the site, the so-called “Window.” It seems possible they’ll also take time to work on this mysterious second project.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

We continue to be wary of the Ocean X Team. They’ve provided very little evidence that can be analyzed and verified by outside parties. Their statements are remarkably sensational. At times, this whole exercise appears to be more of a giant marketing project than a scientific expedition, aimed directly at the legions of UFO enthusiasts.

For example, Dennis Åsberg, co-founder of the Team, called attention to military exercises in the region just prior to this most recent expedition.

“Right now there is a military exercise in the area where both Russians and Americans are involved. I can not help but wonder why it is happening right now.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, Translated from Aftonbladet, May 31, 2012

As we mentioned previously, those military exercises were real, but hardly unexpected. They’re called BALTOPS and take place every year in the Baltic Sea. To pass them off as anything else raises a red flag for us. Then, on June 10, Dennis posted an update on the Anomaly.

“Everything is top secret now … because of the risks … hope you all understand this is no game. But the truth will be reported shortly.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, Ocean X Team, June 10, 2012

Top secret? Risks? What risks? Unfortunately, Dennis has yet to clarify that remark. As we noted the other day, Dennis is a former actor. So, it’s not surprising to us that he appears to be over-sensationalizing the Baltic Anomaly.

In our view, the Baltic Anomaly is most valuable as an unsolved mystery. Indeed, after the Team first revealed the Anomaly consisted of rocks, we noticed a distinct drop in interest in the subject. Interest surged again, however, after the Team started hinting at an artificial origin by talking about equipment failures and 90-degree carvings.

Unanswered questions will help fuel interest in the Team’s documentary with Titan Television. They will also enable the Team to use its new submarine to take wealthy tourists to view the Baltic Anomaly close-up. And finally, the unanswered questions have allowed the Team to form valuable partnerships with Ocean Modules, SeaLabs, and Silvercrest Submarines, giving it access to state-of-the-art shipwreck-hunting equipment. As such, we expect the Ocean X Team to do everything in its power to keep the Baltic Anomaly exactly what it is today…an unsolved mystery.

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

Breaking News! Is the Baltic Anomaly an Elaborate Hoax?

Posted on by

The strange Baltic Anomaly has baffled the world. But new information has now cast doubt over the whole story. Is Dennis Åsberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, actually an actor?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Since that time, the Ocean X Team has gone on a second expedition, released a few photographs and some video, and provided lots of mysterious information via interviews conducted primarily with the Team’s UFO-centric Facebook community as well as websites devoted to UFOs. However, very little concrete data has emerged. Skeptics, including us, have questioned whether or not the Baltic Anomaly is a “hoax” of sorts.

The Ocean X Team has vigorously defended itself from charges of a hoax. They claim to be ordinary treasure hunters who happened to stumble upon a strange mystery. They have assured the world that they want answers just as badly as everyone else.

Is the Baltic Anomaly a Hoax?

Earlier today, we received a tip that Dennis Åsberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, is actually an actor. His profile can be found at Statist.se, which claims to be “Sweden’s largest database of extras, actors, models and audience.” You can read the Google translation here. The person is identified as Dennis and the photos bear a striking resemblance to Mr. Åsberg. All in all, this appears to be genuine although we can’t be 100% certain.

Now, we would note that this does not prove a hoax. It’s quite possible Mr. Åsberg is actually what he claims to be…a treasure hunter. And indeed, the last acting job on his profile is listed as taking place in 2005. So, even if he is an actor, he could have given up on the profession. Or, on the other hand, perhaps he’s merely “playing a role.” Interestingly enough, he doesn’t appear to have been present during some of Peter Lindberg’s other treasure hunts.

Regardless, it’s suspicious. We’ve been wary of the Ocean X Team for some time, mostly due to their highly-charged updates, vague images, and strange explanations. But have they constructed an elaborate hoax in order to secure a big payday? We should note that they have secured a documentary deal with Titan Television, they’re currently seeking sponsors (possibly both corporate and individual), and they’re planning to market submarine rides for wealthy individuals to see the so-called Baltic Anomaly.

We’re willing to give them the benefit of the doubt but we’d like some answers. The ball’s in your corner Ocean X Team…

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: Is it Natural…or Artificial?

Posted on by

The strange Baltic Anomaly continues to baffle the world. Recently, the Ocean X Team revealed the existence of odd “visible formations” that are similar to walls and a staircase. Just what is going on at the bottom of the Baltic Sea?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

The Baltic Anomaly & Right Angles

A few days ago, Peter Lindberg provided some new information on the Anomaly to NTD Television. He described the Circle as having “visible formations” which were set at 90 degree angles. Supposedly, they look like “passageways or walls.” He also mentioned “something that looks like it could be a staircase.”

“We have experienced things that I really couldn’t imagine and I have been the team’s biggest skeptic regarding these different kind of theories. I was kind of prepared just to find a stone or cliff or outcrop or pile of mud but it was nothing like that, so for me it has been a missing experience I must say.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Ocean X Team, Interview with NTD Television

On June 25, Dennis Åsberg, the other co-founder of the Ocean X Team, participated in an interview with Sverige Radio. Unfortunately, the translation is a little difficult to understand. But from we can gather, the top of the Circle shows right angles and walls with perfectly smooth surfaces and cavities.

“When we went back and saw those walls were straight and smooth, then it was weird, like in a science-fiction film.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, Ocean X-Team, Interview with Sverige Radio

Yesterday, Dennis posted this sonar image on the Team’s Facebook page. It was taken with BlueView Technologies equipment. He described it as being “from one of the many corridors and rooms above the object.” Indeed, it appears to show a relatively straight right angle (albeit, not a perfect one).

Okay, so let’s get something straight here. Several sources have reported the existence of walls and corridors “inside” the Circle. We believe this is a misunderstanding, likely due to translation difficulties. Instead, it appears the “corridors” and “rooms” are merely carved out paths located on top of the Circle. The depth of these paths remains unknown.

Still, the presence of right angles as well as the rounded shape of the Circle have caused many people to believe the object must be artificial. After all, right angles don’t exist in nature right?

Right Angles in Nature?

Wrong. The right angle, contrary to popular opinion, does exist in nature. It’s not some secret invention of mankind. It is just as likely to appear in nature as any other angle. However, nature shows no bias toward the right angle while mankind, on the other hand, makes extensive use of it. Thus, when we see right angles in nature, we’re inclined to immediately suspect artificial origin.

Take these stones which were discovered in Peru in 2007. They formed massive walls covering an area of 40,000 square meters.  Because of their right angles, they were initially thought to be from the legendary lost Inca city of Paititi. However, after an investigation, researchers from the National Institute of Culture identified the stones as naturally-formed sandstone.

But what about the Circle itself? Surely, circular shapes don’t exist in nature right? Wrong again. For example, large sphere-shaped boulders (known as the Moeraki Boulders) line New Zealand’s Koekohe Beach. The local Māori considered these rocks to be the transformed remains of cargo lost in an ancient shipwreck. However, they were actually formed in a natural process reminiscent of how an oyster creates a pearl.

The Baltic Anomaly & Cognitive Bias

People suffer from a cognitive bias known as apophenia. In other words, we have the tendency to see patterns and make connections, even in random data. Thus, when we see naturally-occuring right angles on a giant rock, we are inclined to think of them as “walls” and “corridors.”

Currently, we don’t know much about the right angles found by the Ocean X Team. For example, we don’t know how many right angles they found, the sizes of those angles, where they found them, or how deep they cut into the Circle. So for now, we continue to believe these right angles are probably just a natural formation.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

We freely admit the Baltic Anomaly could be anything. But for the moment, we don’t see anything here to overturn our current theory. We continue to think the Baltic Anomaly was created, at least in part, by a series of black smokers. This would explain the black material inside the Circle (sulfur) as well as many other features of the Anomaly.
“We’ve speculated for awhile now that the Circle might’ve been created by now-extinguished hydrothermal vents, or black smokers. The biggest drawback to that theory has always been the lack of volcanic activity in the Baltic Sea. However, a hydrothermal vent doesn’t necessarily require a volcanically active location. They generally occur when seawater works its way beneath the Earth’s crust near subduction zones (subduction zones are places where two tectonic plates converge with each other). The seawater is heated by the steaming hot magma and spews back out into the sea along with dissolved minerals via fissures. These materials eventually cool and harden in the water.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: The Ocean X Team Speaks!

Another possibility is that the Circle is a glacial erratic of some sort. The small circles of rocks found on top of it could be a moraine.

On its next expedition, the Ocean X Team plans to investigate the mysterious second object, which we have called “The Window.” According to the original side-scan sonar image, the Window was roughly 660 feet from the Circle. It was initially described as rectangular-shaped with “two arches” on top. It supposedly measured 120 feet across and looked a little like a “Gothic church window.” Hopefully, the Window will shed a little more light on the strange Baltic Anomaly.

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: What is the next “Anomaly”?

Posted on by

The mystery behind the Baltic Anomaly continues to deepen. While we wait for samples to be analyzed, it seems like a good time to look at some other exciting Baltic Anomaly-type expeditions coming up over the next year or so.

The Newmac Expedition (June 26, 2012)

The Newmac Expedition consists of five young explorers who plan to search the deepest jungles of the Republic of Congo for…you guessed it…a dinosaur! The expedition has raised almost $30,000 and hopes to discover the source of a mysterious mythological creature named the mokele-mbembe. For decades, eyewitnesses have reported sightings of this odd animal. While most scientists doubt it exists, some cryptozoologists think it could be a sauropod, which resembles a brontosaurus.

The Earhart Project (July 2, 2012)

On July 2, 1937, Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan vanished while attempting a circumnavigational flight around the Earth. Their disappearance is one of the most famous mysteries of all time. For more than two decades, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) has searched for them, focusing most of its efforts on tiny Gardner Island.

On July 2, 2012, the 75th anniversary of Amelia’s and Fred’s disappearances, TIGHAR will venture back to Gardner Island, hoping to once and for all solve this enduring mystery.

The North Pole Inner Earth Expedition (July 2013)

The Hollow Earth hypothesis proposes the Earth is, well, hollow. Once a fairly serious theory, it has lost almost all credibility in the eyes of mainstream science since the late 1700s.

However, a fervent band of believers still exists. Apparently, they are launching an expedition to the North Pole region in July 2013 to search for an entrance into the Earth’s interior.

“The science is real. The story is more than 5,000 years old. The legend says that at a certain place above the Arctic Circle, there exists an oceanic depression or an entrance into the Earth. It’s a place where the maritime legend claims sea level isn’t level anymore.”

“The discovery that the earth is hollow would forever shatter our long-held beliefs about how planets are formed. More importantly, however, discovering life beneath the earth’s crust could potentially provide us with new tools that would allow life on the surface to regain environmental balance, harmony, and possibly even peace. These prospects make the North Pole Inner Earth Expedition the greatest expedition in the history of the world.” ~ North Pole Inner Earth Expedition Web Site

Unfortunately, we’re a little skeptical of this trip. Scratch that. We’re very skeptical. This trip was scheduled to begin as early as 2009 (here’s a business plan to that effect). Also, we can’t help but notice that the trip is asking for massive donations to the effect of $350,000. So, this could very well be a hoax. But we’re holding out hope.

The Guerrilla Explorer Expedition (201?)

Once upon a time, the entire world thrilled to the exploits of arduous journeys into the unknown. Henry Morton Stanley’s search for Dr. David Livingstone. Sir Edmund Hillary’s venture to the highest peak of Mount Everest. The Race to the North Pole. The Moon Race.

But after generations of explorers and the rise of satellite technology, the world often feels small and lacking in mystery. Mankind has ventured to the four corners of the Earth, the deepest parts of the ocean, and into space. What could possibly be left to explore?

The Ocean X Team’s expedition to the Baltic Anomaly as well as the expeditions listed above hark back to some of those fascinating adventures from days gone by. The truth is there is so much out there still waiting to be discovered. Space remains virtually unexplored. And new discoveries are made everyday across the world. We here at Guerrilla Explorer do our best to showcase as many of them as possible.

We can’t make any official announcements yet. But we’re working on some expedition concepts of our own. So, stay tuned…exciting days are ahead!

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: The Ocean X Team Speaks!

Posted on by

The mystery behind the Baltic Anomaly continues to deepen. Peter Lindberg recently emerged to offer some new information.

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a new expedition, the Ocean X Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Two days ago, Lindberg posted a long message to the Team’s Facebook page. He also participated in an impromptu question and answer session. Let’s take a look at some of his points.

On the Baltic Anomaly’s Circle being Natural

“I do belive the surface of the circle is made of mineral.”

“…if I must bet my money on something I would go for the possibility that the circle is of pre-ice age – age.”

“99% a natural formation, unique in its kind though, and also that we have found an area in the Baltic with volcanic activity. And the last percent? Well 0.9 % that it is remains from an ancient civilisation and 0.1 % that some aliens took an asteroid and made a space craft out of it. As someone asked me: Who have decided that an alien space craft must be made of somekind of metall…?”

Our Take: All along, we suspected this was a natural formation. We also speculated a few days ago the circle of rocks positioned on top of the Circle might be a moraine. In other words, as the ice retreated, the rocks slid down a cone of ice to form a circular shape. Lindberg himself referred to this exact possibility during one of his answers so it certainly seems feasible. However, that presents a slight problem because it means the Circle had to actually survive the ice age (or at least be formed by it).

On the Baltic Anomaly’s Circle being Artificial

“As you understand it is very much in this that points toward this not being just a “stone formation”. The cracks seams not to be irregular, they seams to go vertically or horizontally. Behind them you can see a blackish collored mineral(?) with the structure of old wooden planks.”

“I do belive that the very strait lines and angular formations we can see on the side scan sonar image from last year really excists. The odd thing is that I thought, before this expedition that when we could get close these shapes maybe should appear not being so straight as on the side scan sonar image, in reality they are even straighter! It really looks like constructed parts on the circle.”

“The lines can be made by natural causes, but they looks very ‘man made.'”

Our Take: Many rocks, particularly those of a crystalline nature, contain relatively straight lines. So, that could explain it. The jury is still out on the blackish colored mineral, but we suspect it could be sulfur for reasons we’ll get to in a minute.

On the structure of the Baltic Anomaly

“I do belive that the circle “rests” on top of what looks like an pilar of rock, raising approx 8 meters above the surrounding bottom. The circle it self appears to be approx 4 meters thick. In other words, the top of the circle raises 12 meters above the surrounding bottom.”

“The pillar is thicker than on Pauls artistic drawing, the circle might be like 1-4 meters wider than the pillar.”

“I do belive that the path, or the track, is a ridge raising slowly up from the bottom to a hight of approx 8 meters above the surrounding bottom. I also belive that the ridge is made of softer material than the pilar and the circle.”

Our Take: This, along with this echo sounding image, help to clear up the pillar mystery. The Circle is 60 meters in diameter, which gives the pillar a diameter of 56 to 59 meters.

On that Odd Hole on the Baltic Anomaly

“What I do not belive because I know, is the fact that we found a round hole approx 25 cm in diamater going straight into the surface of the circle, how odd is not that? How deep? No idea, we just saw it for some seconds before we decided to back off to preserv the visibility for the divers that was going down later on. They did not find the hole though. It might be some more holes, at this moment we do not know.”

“We have no idea how the hole was created, it is very round though…”

Our Take: On a side note, this hole was previously described as “egg shaped.” Regardless, its existence might go along with our hydrothermal vent theory (see the next entry). Perhaps this hole was once a vent for hot water and dissolved minerals.

On Our Black Smoker Theory

“I do belive it might have been volcanic activity in the area and even on (or in) the circle after the ice age, or before, but then it do not fit with what we know about the ice age.”

“The strange about the cloud is that it looked like a very distinct “plume” of something that catched the echo sounder beams so hard that it looked like a big rock hoovering in midwater, above the “volcano”. I think we might have found something which is active in the way of like a “black smooker” or that maybe heated water is jetting out under high pressure. But this was not in the area of the circle, this volcano was found many miles away. We will certanly go back and try to find out if the “plume” just was a very densed shool of fish or something else.”

Our Take: We’ve speculated for awhile now that the Circle might’ve been created by now-extinguished hydrothermal vents, or black smokers. The biggest drawback to that theory has always been the lack of volcanic activity in the Baltic Sea. However, a hydrothermal vent doesn’t necessarily require a volcanically active location. They generally occur when seawater works its way beneath the Earth’s crust near subduction zones (subduction zones are places where two tectonic plates converge with each other). The seawater is heated by the steaming hot magma and spews back out into the sea along with dissolved minerals via fissures. These materials eventually cool and harden in the water.

On Magnetic Disturbances & Other Strange Phenomena

“The divers said that a “blackish” powder had attract to the camera, I did not see it my self though. An other thing is that we could not use the satelite phone when we where laying above the circle, but just some tenth of meters off postion the phone worked. i do not know why but it is a fact. Further more, the video camera’s lights blow when the diver started them up on the surface when testing them before dive # 2. They decided anyway to bring the video camera with them and try to use their ordinary lights to iluminate for the video. When they decended the video camera started to showing an “error” message on the small monitor. The diver restarted the camera several times and finnaly it seamed to work. So he filmed their dive but nothing was on the tape when waching it afterwards. The only problem we had with the ROV was that we constantly had to restart the sonar. Finally it did not work and we continued with just the video camera. When we left the circle we went to a wreck and spent like 35 hour of ROV flying on the wreck and the sonar worked all the time. Magnetic disturbances, well you tell me!”

“Someone asked about what temperature we had down there. Well the divers thermometer showed -1 degree Celsius when they were on top of the circle, it should be +4 degree Celsius. The thermometer may have showing a wronly value of course.”

Our Take: We don’t really know what to make of this information. It could be coincidence. Or maybe there’s something else going on here…

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

We appreciate Lindberg taking the time to discuss the Baltic Anomaly in greater detail. He seemed genuinely stumped by what he and the Ocean X Team have found. A couple of extinguished hydrothermal vents still remain our best guess. However, we freely admit it could be anything, especially after Peter’s comment about the Anomaly possibly preceding the Ice Age. Perhaps it’s a glacial erratic of some sort. From what we understand, the Ocean X Team plans to release new photos soon. The samples from the site are still being analyzed. And perhaps the biggest news is that the Team plans to take another expedition to the Anomaly in about three weeks. So, there should be lots of new information soon. Stay tuned!

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: The Nazi Connection?

Posted on by

The investigation of the Baltic Anomaly is ongoing and many questions remain. But a new theory recently emerged. Was the Baltic Anomaly caused by Nazi troops?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a large publicity campaign and a new expedition, the Ocean X Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks, which we call the Circle, as well as a 985 foot runway leading up to them (the Tracks), remain mysteries.

Is the Baltic Anomaly a Nazi Artifact?

Expressen, one of Sweden’s two nationwide evening tabloid newspapers, conducted the first official interview with the Ocean X Team. Now, Expressen is back with a new theory on the subject…they interviewed a former submarine officer named Anders Autellus on the subject and he speculated the Baltic Anomaly is actually a product of the Nazi war effort.

During the early 1940s, Nazi forces controlled the Baltic Sea. But Soviet submarines were still able to sneak into it via the Gulf of Finland. After destroying just one ship in 1941, the Soviets began to pick up the pace, knocking over more than 20 ships in 1942. In March 1943, the Nazis retaliated by placing a 30 nautical mile long anti-submarine net across the Gulf of Finland. They used two layers of steel mesh. This did the trick, at least for the next eighteen months.

It appears Autellus thinks the Circle might actually be an old anchor for one of these nets. The actual net was either removed or perhaps, rusted away since that time. The strange “egg shaped” hole found on the Circle could be an old attachment for the net. According to Ocean X Team diver Stefan Hogeborn, the theory is plausible since the Circle appears to be “cast in layers.” Also, the net could’ve caused the Tracks. For example, it might’ve dragged along the seabed at one point. Or it might’ve just sank and spread out.

Does the Nazi Theory Hold Water?

It’s a neat, tidy theory. But it’s also got holes. Lots of them. Peter Lindberg himself, in a long interview conducted on the Ocean X Team’s Facebook page last night, claimed he was 99% certain the Circle was a natural formation. Also, the anti-submarine anchor theory doesn’t explain the blackened interior of the Circle. Nor does it explain the lack of silt in the area.

But that’s not the worst criticism. Check out this video to see Nazi soldiers laying a submarine net in the Gulf of Finland. I assume Autellus believes the Circle is one of the circular anchors used in the film (see 0:33). Well, the anchors are circular alright. They’re also tiny. By point of reference, the Ocean X Team’s Circle is 200 feet in diameter.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

It’s possible Autellus is thinking of some other type of anchor. But to be honest, a 200 foot diameter anchor would be gigantic. An anchor that size doesn’t make sense.For now, we’re sticking with our original theory. We continue to think one or more extinguished hydrothermal vents created the Baltic Anomaly. When hot water was expelled from these black smokers, it caused dissolved minerals to be driven outward. These materials eventually cooled and hardened in the water, forming the strange Circle-shaped object. Eventually, the vents “died.”

“A vent can “die” at any time for several reasons. For example, seismic activity might cause a chimney to collapse. Fluid would then build up in the blocked vent, effectively choking it out. Or the hydrothermal fluid could simply run out, exhausting the vent.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?

Bolstering this theory is the presence of what appears to be an active hydrothermal vent several miles from the Circle.

“Apparently, the Ocean X Team spotted a 50-meter high mountain shaped like a volcanic cone in the vicinity of the Baltic Anomaly. An ‘indefinable cloud’ oozed out of its peak. The Team speculated this cloud was actually boiling water. The whole thing was shrouded in ‘very bright red light’ and fish ‘showed unusual patterns of movement.”‘ Incidentally, this structure may account for the mysterious ‘Rock.‘” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Black Smoker?

Here’s how Peter described it during last night’s interview.

“The strange about the cloud is that it looked like a very distinct ‘plume’ of something that catched the echo sounder beams so hard that it looked like a big rock hoovering in midwater, above the “volcano”. I think we might have found something which is active in the way of like a “black smooker” or that maybe heated water is jetting out under high pressure. But this was not in the area of the circle, this volcano was found many miles away. We will certanly go back and try to find out if the “plume” just was a very densed shool of fish or something else.”

The biggest drawback to our hydrothermal vent theory has always been the lack of volcanic activity in the Baltic Sea. However, a hydrothermal vent doesn’t necessarily require a volcanically active location. They generally occur when seawater works its way beneath the Earth’s crust near subduction zones (subduction zones are places where two tectonic plates converge with each other). The seawater is heated by the steaming hot magma and spews back out into the sea through fissures.

Well, that’s it for now. Tomorrow, we’ll take a closer look at Peter’s interview. He provided some new information on the Anomaly and offered some fascinating insights as well. Come back tomorrow to check it out!

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

The Baltic Anomaly: That Mysterious Pillar?

Posted on by

The investigation of the Baltic Anomaly is ongoing and many questions remain. Now, we have another one to consider. What is that mysterious pillar?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a large publicity campaign and a new expedition, the Ocean X Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks remains a mystery.

Peter Lindberg’s Interview on the Baltic Anomaly

Recently, Peter Lindberg gave an interview to Fox News. In it, he revealed several interesting pieces of information. First, he described the Baltic Anomaly as a “natural, geological formation.” Second, the giant Circle stone is “the kind divers see in keys and harbors.” Third, there was no silt on the Circle. Fourth, the Circle has some straight lines and “appears to have construction lines and boxes drawn on it.” Fifth, the Circle, which is 200 feet in diameter, is supported by an 8 meter (26 foot) high pillar. And sixth, the Circle has “cracks” on its surface which contain “black material.”

The third point is interesting. According to the Ocean X Team’s June 15th press release, the Circle was covered by “something resembling soot.” We’ve got our suspicions about its composition (sulfide-based minerals) but at least we know it wasn’t silt. Anyway, we’ll get back to this lack of silt in a moment.

We need more details before we can get excited about the fourth point. How many total lines are there? How many of them are “straight?” And how straight are they? Many rocks, particularly those of a crystalline nature, contain relatively straight lines.

The Mysterious Pillar?

The fifth point is most intriguing to us. However, it’s also confusing. The Ocean X Team described the Circle as “a huge mushroom, rising 3-4 meters/10-13 feet from the seabed.” So, where does the 8 meter (26 foot) pillar fit? This could be a mistake in the article…perhaps the pillar is only 8 feet tall. Or perhaps the pillar extends underground in some fashion. Either way, we’d like to know more about its shape and measurements.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

The sixth point fits in with our overall thesis. We continue to believe one or more extinguished hydrothermal vents created the Baltic Anomaly. When hot water was expelled from black smokers, it caused dissolved minerals to be driven outward. These materials eventually cooled and hardened in the water, forming the strange Circle-shaped object. Eventually, the vents “died.”

“A vent can “die” at any time for several reasons. For example, seismic activity might cause a chimney to collapse. Fluid would then build up in the blocked vent, effectively choking it out. Or the hydrothermal fluid could simply run out, exhausting the vent.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?

The “cracks” could be former fissures that once vented super-hot water and dissolved minerals into the Baltic Sea. The black material could be part of a volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposit. Also, the lack of silt might be due to a general lack of silt in the area. It’s possible the whole area is covered by sulfide-based minerals. The pillar is difficult to understand with the limited information, but we suppose it could be the original black smoker. Black smokers tend to at least start out as chimney shapes. Now, before we wrap this up, there’s one more thing to consider. Peter Lindberg gave a rather bizarre quote to Fox News. Check it out.

“If an intelligent life form has built a spaceship, there’s the question of ‘why not make it out of stone or coral.'” ~ Peter Lindberg, Fox News Interview

This appears to be a misunderstanding. As we noted in our first point, Lindberg has expressed his belief that the Circle is a “natural, geological formation.” Overall, the lack of solid information as well as the language barriers have constituted difficult obstacles to covering this story.The Ocean X Team has sent its samples away for analysis. We still don’t expect this mystery to be solved anytime soon. The Ocean X Team has strong incentives to keep it a mystery. The mystery is what will sell Titan Television’s documentary on the subject. It will also help the Team market its submarine tours back and forth to the Anomaly. And most importantly, a sulfide deposit is of little use to them.

“The find is not protected by any laws or anything. If the find would be fish, oil, gas or minerals it will belong to a Baltic country since our find is within an economical zone but off the nearest territorial border.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Comment on Another Anomaly 2, August 11, 2011

But despite all that, we’re eagerly awaiting further information. The Baltic Anomaly has been a fascinating story so far. We can only hope it gets better from here.

 

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly