Researchers are gearing up to resume their search for Amelia Earhart's lost plane in the Pacific Ocean after setbacks delayed the search.Purdue University officials said in a recent statement that researchers will travel to Nikumaroro Island in the Pacific to investigate the Taraia Object, a satellite-imaged anomaly believed by some to be Earhart's lost Lockheed Electra.The expedition, called the Taraia Object Expedition, will depart on Oct.7.AMELIA EARHART MYSTERY EXPEDITION HALTED AS RESEARCHERS SEEK ANSWERS ON MISSING PLANE"The expedition seeks to help complete the historic journey that ended with her disappearance 89 years ago," officials said. The expedition is based on researchers' belief that Earhart's plane came down near Nikumaroro, known as the Nikumaroro Hypothesis.Researchers are preparing to travel to Nikumaroro Island in October as part of a new expedition to search for the long-missing aircraft of Amelia Earhart.
(U.S.National Archives)Supporters of the theory believe that Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan became stranded on the remote island after failing to reach Howland Island — possibly dying as castaways.Earhart disappeared on July 2, 1937, while attempting to become the first female pilot to fly around the world.NEWLY RELEASED AMELIA EARHART DOCUMENTS REVEAL VIVID DETAILS OF JAPAN'S ROLE IN SEARCH FOR DOOMED AVIATORShe and Noonan lost contact during one of the final legs of their journey, going missing after leaving Lae, New Guinea, en route to Howland Island.Supporters of the Nikumaroro hypothesis believe Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan became stranded after failing to reach Howland Island.
An image of Nikumaroro Island is seen above.(Google Maps)She was 39 years old at the time and one of the most famous people in the world.The upcoming expedition was announced last year but was delayed while officials awaited approval from the government of Kiribati.
The country's cabinet has since approved the mission.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR...