Nessletter - No 096 - 1989

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter, No 96, dated October 1989 (with a note indicating it might also be considered February 1990), is primarily an obituary for Harold E. Edgerton, a distinguished figure in photography and science, and a report on recent activities and observations related to Loch Ness.

Harold Edgerton: A Tribute

The issue begins with a detailed tribute to Harold E. Edgerton, affectionately known as 'Doc', who passed away on January 4, 1990, at the age of 86. Edgerton was a professor emeritus of electrical measurements at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he had taught for forty years. His early interest in photography, sparked by an uncle, led him to explore the challenges of underexposed indoor pictures. This curiosity drove him to investigate electricity and flash photography. He built his first flash tube using vaporized mercury, later improving it with a xenon gas-filled tube, which became the standard for electronic flash. His invention, developed further with former students K. Germeshausen and H. Grier, revolutionized photography, becoming a universal component in modern cameras and an important tool in science and industry. Edgerton's electronic flash had an extremely short duration, as little as a millionth of a second, and was repeatable, allowing for the recording of near-instantaneous and sequential events.

His work found practical applications early on, such as in studying electric motors and revolving machinery. In 1934, he conducted photographic experiments that revealed surprising details, like a football being nearly compressed in half at the moment of impact. He also captured moments of ball contact in baseball, tennis, and golf. These images, along with his enthusiasm, integrated electronic flash into sport photography by 1939/40.

During World War II, Edgerton served as a technical representative for the Army Air Forces, developing a flash technique for aerial-night reconnaissance used in operations before D-Day and in Italy and the Far East. After the war, he co-founded E. G. & G. to commercialize his invention and developed cameras for photographing nuclear-bomb tests. He also became deeply involved in underwater research, designing specialized underwater flash units and sonar devices. A significant collaboration was with oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, beginning in 1953, which continued for many years. Edgerton continued his experimental photography, freezing actions like birds in flight, hats being removed, and bullets piercing objects. His use of multiple flash techniques allowed him to record the complete motion of golf swings and twirling batons. Some of his photographs, such as a 1964 image of a bullet piercing a playing card, were noted for their surreal beauty and were featured in exhibitions and scientific publications.

Edgerton also provided assistance to Bob Rinee and the Academy of Applied Sciences in their Loch Ness investigations. In 1971, they were equipped with an underwater camera and strobe light developed by him. Subsequent seasons saw improvements and variations of this equipment, along with sonar gear. In 1972, the controversial 'flipper' pictures were taken, and in 1975, his gear captured the 'gargoyle' and 'head, neck and body' photographs, which were later identified as likely being of an old tree stump. The article concludes by stating that Edgerton made a valuable contribution to Loch Ness research and will be sorely missed, offering condolences to his family.

Henry Bauer and the Society for Scientific Exploration

The issue then introduces Henry Bauer, Professor of Chemistry and Science Studies and author of 'The Enigma of Loch Ness'. Bauer is a member of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE), founded in 1982. The SSE comprises 100 founding members, primarily from university faculties in the United States, covering a wide range of disciplines. Its purpose is to provide a forum for the responsible discussion of anomalous phenomena – those that appear to contradict existing scientific knowledge or are generally regarded by the scientific community as outside established fields of inquiry. The SSE organizes regional meetings and publishes 'The Journal of Scientific Exploration' and a newsletter called 'The Explorer'.

Bauer reports that the SSE has instituted the Tim Dinsdale Memorial Award, funded by a donor. This award is given for significant contributions to the expansion of human understanding through the study of unexplained phenomena, recognizing contributions regardless of method (direct investigation, evidence accumulation, philosophical discussion, organizational efforts, etc.). Recipients are invited to present 'The Dinsdale Lecture' at an SSE Annual meeting.

Bauer also mentions obtaining a copy of the film 'The Secret of the Loch', which he found technically poor and lacking any genuine footage of Nessie, despite suggestions that some might have been used. He visited Loch Ness in May-June 1989, experiencing a couple of intriguing water disturbances.

Aerial Surveillance and Loch Watching

Bauer discusses the idea of aerial surveillance of Loch Ness, referencing Thomas Brophy's suggestion of a balloon. He notes potential difficulties with rapid weather changes and lack of propulsion for a free balloon but suggests a tethered balloon launched from a boat could provide visibility and allow for rapid retreat. This aligns with his own theories and past suggestions to the old LNI and David James. He recalls that in 1970, an autogyro demonstrated visibility up to 15 feet underwater under the right conditions. He envisioned a tethered balloon, possibly with a winch from a shore-based location, to act as a vantage point. He hoped the army or air force might assist in such an operation, but nothing materialized. The use of the autogyro was an extension of this theory, but cost and commitments limited its deployment. Bauer believes the balloon idea is still feasible, though potential issues include low-flying fighter aircraft. He reiterates that a boat or barge could serve as an ideal platform for a balloon winch. The greatest challenges are organizing such an expedition, manning, and financing. He laments the loss of the Loch Ness Investigation (LNI), which provided a focal point for volunteers and manpower for such endeavors. He feels the Loch Ness Project, while doing valuable research, has not replaced the old LNI spirit, leaving the balloon idea as just that – an idea.

Colin Moore's Loch Visit

Colin Moore shares his experience of a trip to Loch Ness with his wife Catherine in September 1989. They spent three days at Drumnadrochit and were impressed by the sheer size of the loch and cautioned about wave formations. While they saw nothing unusual, they understood how dark shadows could be misinterpreted. They found the north shore lacking in good vantage points due to tree growth, except for the Urquhart Castle area. Colin suggests a future Nessletter could include information on the best vantage points on the southern shore, as most existing materials focus on the north.

Peter Davenport's Loch Visit and Exhibition Review

Peter Davenport recounts a trip he and his wife, Lesley, made to Loch Ness from June 23rd to 28th, 1989. Their planned longer trip was disrupted when their car and belongings were stolen in Edinburgh. They traveled to Inverness and then to the loch. They visited the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre, finding it disappointing after supporting it for seven years, feeling it was a waste of time and money, and even less informative than previous visits. They noted a steady stream of tourists and coach parties but little else of substance, describing the place as shabby and run down. They saw Adrian Shine but did not approach him.

Davenport defends the exhibition, noting that the new exhibition opened in July and they visited at the very end of the old one. He suggests visitors might have a better experience in the evening when things are quieter and organizers like Tony Harmsworth and Adrian Shine might have more time to interact. He advises visitors to remember that the staff have their own lives and the summer season is very busy.

He questions why the exhibition does not display Doc Shiels' photographs, which he considers the best picture of the Loch Ness Monster, even allowing for photographic eccentricities. He believes that if Tim Dinsdale, a respected researcher, was convinced by these pictures, they should be on display.

Lochside Observations and Accommodation

The Davenports spent time watching the loch from lay-bys opposite Dores, using 10x50 binoculars but seeing nothing special. They stayed at the Glenmoriston Arms Hotel, finding it the best among the hotels they had visited on the lochside, including Clansman (small rooms), Drumnadrochit Hotel (noisy but okay), Loch Ness Lodge (poor service, good rooms), Inchnacardoch Lodge (basic rooms, poor service), and The Lovat Arms (expensive). They also watched from the Horseshoe Scree, Peter's favorite spot.

Sonar and Operation Deepscan

On Tuesday, they took a trip on the Caledonian Queen, which had been equipped with sonar. They received a rundown on its operation and found watching the rapidly changing depth of the loch fascinating, calling it the highlight of the trip. The boatman, who had been involved with Operation Deepscan as the lead man, described the difficulty of maintaining a steady course even for an experienced waterman. He reported that good sonar contacts were obtained: one near Fort Augustus, two between Invermoriston and Foyers, and two near Dores. These contacts were estimated to be between 39 and 47 feet long and located mid-water, about 2/300 feet below the surface. The boatman mentioned that the contacts at Dores were particularly exciting because they showed two moving separate objects simultaneously. The results were not released immediately to confirm if the objects were animate, but Peter was given the impression that this had been confirmed. The Davenports returned to Inverness and caught the train home, planning to return the following year.

Frank Searle and Photographic Fakes

Peter Davenport also comments on the issue of photographic fakes, specifically mentioning Frank Searle. He questions Searle's motivations and methods, noting that Searle reportedly spent years at the loch arranging spurious photographs. Davenport suggests that surface photography will likely never be accepted as definitive proof, and that while Deepscan was successful in detecting large underwater targets, it failed to combine sonar with simultaneous underwater photography. He proposes that future studies of the loch should be conducted underwater, rather than on the surface, perhaps by Adrian Shine.

Davenport shares his understanding of Frank Searle's situation: Searle initially kept to himself, lived economically in a tent, and sought to see a creature. Over time, he apparently began producing photographs for newspapers, and the income may have influenced him. Davenport speculates that Searle may have started to believe his own fakes. He criticizes Searle's possessiveness about the loch and his harsh criticism of other researchers. Davenport concludes that too much time spent in intense solitary activity might not be advisable.

Other Notes and Subscriptions

The newsletter concludes with an apology for being late and an invitation for readers to submit news and views. The editor's address and subscription details for the UK and North America are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the legacy of Harold Edgerton and his contributions to science and photography, the ongoing mystery and research surrounding the Loch Ness Monster, and the challenges of obtaining credible evidence for unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding research, a critical eye towards photographic evidence (particularly concerning fakes), and a desire for organized, scientific investigation, while also acknowledging the personal experiences and enthusiasm of contributors and readers.