The mystery of the legendary Loch Ness Monster is set to be unveiled: scientists have a straightforward explanation (photo included).

For at least 1500 years, humanity has been attempting to unravel the mystery of the mythical Loch Ness Monster, which unexpectedly appears in the lake, yet no one has managed to explain this phenomenon or, even more so, catch it. Now, scientists finally believe that the mystery of Nessie may be unveiled — an expert claims to have a simple explanation for the sightings of the mythical creature, as reported by Daily Mail.

According to researcher Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), the phenomenon might actually be explained by a natural occurrence known as "standing waves." Researchers note that standing waves are created when two boat wakes of identical frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions across the lake's surface. When they finally meet and interfere with each other, a "standing wave" is formed.

Scientists believe that the peaks of these "standing waves," rising above the calm water, could easily be mistaken for "humps" on the surface or the appearance of the mythical monster. To support his theory, McKenna presented photographs showing the phenomenon occurring where the river meets the lake on its southern shore in Fort Augustus. However, capturing a standing wave caused by a boat's wake on open water is, unfortunately, a more complex task.

McKenna states that for the appropriate natural phenomenon to occur, the waves and the boat's wake must be identical. It is also necessary to consider the boat itself, including its size, direction of movement, and current speed. For instance, a small boat with a smaller engine will certainly create a wake that differs from that of a much larger boat. Overall, scientists believe that the convergence of all these factors is extremely rare, though still possible.

Now, McKenna hopes to capture the phenomenon occurring over the deep heart of the lake — these shots will serve as evidence that the mythical monster does not exist at all. It is known that scientists often observe "standing waves" in a small depression in Urquhart Bay but are unable to capture them. However, science is well aware that "standing waves" do indeed exist, and there have been prior reports about them, but experts still lack photographic evidence.

According to McKenna himself, in their attempts to explain the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster's existence, he and his team are trying to capture as many natural phenomena as possible. In simple terms, scientists are using the method of elimination to find the most likely explanation. It is worth noting that most sightings and photographic evidence of the Loch Ness Monster can actually be explained quite easily.

Nevertheless, the expert does not entirely dismiss the possibility that some shy creature may inhabit the lake, as Loch Ness is essentially an ideal environment for its existence: the area is vast, and the water body is deep enough to hide in.

One of the theories regarding the existence of the Loch Ness Monster is the presence of plesiosaurs in the lake. However, the more scientists study the lake's history, the less likely this theory becomes.

It should be noted that LNE is an independent volunteer research group focused on Loch Ness, its natural environment and ecology, as well as the mythical creature.