By Tim Binnall
As seems to be the case every year, 2021 saw a variety of developments surrounding longstanding mysteries and iconic incidents that have yet to be solved. From promising new research to potential groundbreaking discoveries, the past twelve months were rife with possible breakthroughs and bombshells as well as, unfortunately, more than a few busts. While 2021 failed to produce a proverbial smoking gun to close any classic cases, the events of the past year served as a testament to the diligent work of investigators who continue searching for answers to all manner of mysteries.
Perhaps the most remarkable story, in that regard, came by way of a fascinating new study into the infamous Dyatlov Pass Incident. Conducted by a pair of European experts, the project was able to make a very strong case for the theory that an avalanche was responsible for killing nine hikers who died under mysterious circumstances in Russia's Ural mountains back in 1959. Via computer simulations and scientific modeling, Johan Gaume and Alexander Puzrin were able to clearly show the way in which such an event could come to pass based on how the group had set up their camp.
While it may be impossible to entirely prove the avalanche hypothesis, their work was the most compelling scientific investigation into the case in quite some time and seemed to suggest that the prosaic explanation for the event has considerable merit. Meanwhile, there were briefly fears that a second Dylatov Pass incident had occurred in 2021 when another group of hikers went missing while en route to the infamous location to pay tribute to those who had perished at the site. Fortunately, a panic surrounding their disappearance was short-lived as they were found a few hours later.
The disappearance of Amelia Earhart also caught the attention of scientists this past year as a pair of researchers from the Penn State Radiation Science and Engineering Center announced plans to study possible debris from the famed aviatrix's downed airliner in order to potentially unlock some hidden clues found in the material. As of now, their findings have yet to be announced, making this a story worth keeping an eye on in 2022. Another noteworthy development surrounding the Earhart case from the past year was the discovery of the last-known letter to have come from the pioneering pilot during her ill-fated flight.
The modern-day equivalent to the Earhart disappearance, the vanishing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, also turned up in the news during 2021 when an aeronautical engineer in England put forward a new and rather precise location for where he believes the lost passenger jet might be located. Other potential breakthroughs this past year were a possible answer as to why the Nazca Lines were built, a revelation regarding what might have been behind the series of 'jetpack' sightings that occurred around LAX last year, and new insights into how the mysterious ancient computer known as the Antikythera Mechanism was constructed and operated.
A major mystery that may wind up being solved in 2022 is that of the curious case of Australia's Somerton Man. For decades, researchers have attempted to identify the individual who was found dead on a beach in the city of Adelaide back in 1948 and, this past year, authorities Down Under took up the case by exhuming the man's body for the express purpose of performing DNA analysis in the hopes of finally learning his name. Suggesting that the effort could prove to be a success is that, this past November, experts in Australia were able to solve the similar case of the country's famed 'unknown sailor' who perished following an epic World War II battle in 1941 and remained unidentified for a staggering 80 years.
On the true crime front, a group of cold case investigators made worldwide headlines in 2021 with the claim that they had determined the identity of the Zodiac Killer. Alas, while the team expressed tremendous confidence in their conclusion, authorities consider the matter to still be a mystery. Also pertaining to the Zodiac Killer, a French engineer came forward with what he believes is the solution to the murderer's infamous remaining ciphers. This past year also marked the 50th anniversary of the D.B. Cooper skyjacking case and a new dig looking for clues to the caper that was conducted in Washington state. As you may have guessed, it failed to yield any new insights and, it would seem, neither did a similar search in New Jersey for Jimmy Hoffa's remains that was spearheaded by the FBI.
The cattle mutilation phenomenon continued to confound authorities in Oregon this past year as there were multiple incidents wherein unfortunate animals were found mysteriously slain on ranches throughout the state. The problem has grown to such considerable proportions that one group went so far as to offer a sizeable reward for any information leading to the perpetrators. Staying within the realm of the animal kingdom, 2021 began with what was promised to be the blockbuster release of photos showing a still-living Tasmanian Tiger, but the sensational claim ultimately wound up being a bust. And, sadly, the ivory-billed woodpecker, a bird not seen in decades and long-sought by researchers, was formally declared extinct this year.
The prospect that there remains lost treasure waiting to be found somewhere in the world continued to captivate multiple individuals and groups as evidenced in stories from throughout 2021. The most notable instance centered around an expedition to a sunken Nazi steamer ship where, it was hoped, that the legendary lost Amber Room might be found. Regrettably, the series of dives determined that the location was not the final resting place of the pilfered treasure. Also this past year, the fate of a horde of Civil War gold believed to be buried in Pennsylvania remained the subject of a legal battle between treasure hunters and federal authorities, while a group in Finland expressed confidence that in 2022 they will find a bevy of apocryphal riches said to have been buried over 1,000 years ago.
One area which seems sure to provide a breakthrough either next year or in the not-too-distant future is space exploration. 2021 was a banner year in that regard as NASA's Perseverance Rover successfully landed on Mars and began exploring the Red Planet for signs of ancient life. There is hope within scientific circles that this could be the mission that finally finds such evidence on the mysterious world. And while not exactly a step forward when it comes to solving any particular mystery, the space tourism industry had something of a breakthrough year with several high-profile rocket launches being held featuring noteworthy crew members such as Richard Branson, William Shatner, and Michael Strahan.
Much like the cases themselves, what will unfold over the next twelve months is a mystery, though it's a sure bet that we'll see more bold declarations surrounding bombshell discoveries and breakthrough research promising answers to the cases which have perplexed us all for so very long. As noted, 2022 could see the Somerton Man identified, new insights into the Amelia Earhart disappearance revealed, and even evidence for ancient life on Mars being discovered. And, given technological developments and advancements in DNA science, it would not be altogether shocking to wake up one day next year and find that some longstanding mystery has been solved at last.