This morning I was glancing at Nikumarro from Google Earth to see if anything has changed in the past several weeks and months. As many of you know the world is keeping their eye on the upcoming expedition to Niku to answer questions in regards to the Taraia Object. As many of you can tell it appears that Niku has gone through a significant drought in the past several months. I personally don't know what protocol Google follows on how often they update their satellite imagery but their is something that I've never seen before and would like some input as to what this object is. From my standpoint it appears out of place and doesn't look like any rock formation. Their are two pictures that I'm posting from one side of the island and from the other side of the island to give insight as to what this might be... but this is something I've never seen before...Up for answers...thanks!!!
Good spotting. About 10 feet across, by my estimate?
Thanks for posting Randy. I saw that recently and wondered if anyone else noticed it. Using Goggle's measuring tool its about 10' by 5' by my best estimate. It also shows up around the same spot for several GE historical images. Wonder if the November expedition folks would want to have a gander?
One of my most interesting Google Earth explorations was to look at every image Google has collected of Ritiati Pond.
It was evidently filled with structures during the colonial era.
In times of drought, the remnants of the structures emerge more clearly.
(https://tighar.org/wiki/images/2/23/Ritiati_Pond.png)
March 18, 2022 Google Earth imagery
(https://tighar.org/wiki/images/5/54/Ritiati_Pond_2022-03-18_Google_Earth.png)
I personally am already sick of the hype the MSM is making of this "expedition". They are basing it all on 10 year old photographic evidence, and we know there hasn't been anything there when we have been there. How come our little outfit never gets the MSM spamming coverage when we do something?
As far as your images- interesting to say the least.
A few days ago I sent Ric an email in regards to the photos that Google Earth had of the image. Ric did mention that it was a coral block and mentioned some members of the team had seen it several years back. Granted I believe Ric whole heartedly..but trying to figure out why this coral block is flat on the edges with what appears to be holes on both sides at the top. As shown the picture changed dramatically and turned Google Earth around and caught it from an angle. So I dont know what to believe but another member thought it too was 10 ft in length. So if any members of past expeditions have photos of this or if someone has Google Earth live..I would love to see this first hand. Anyway, sure appreciate your thoughts an input on this image!!
Is it this coral rock? I still think someone should look for artifacts around the base of this rock. Long shot for sure, but to date unexplored.
Jon
Bingo. I think Jon nailed it (although the islet seems to have disappeared).