This might sound like a science fiction story, but it’s 100% real. Scientists have discovered something strange and surprising — our Earth gives out a quiet, mysterious “heartbeat” every 26 seconds. And the most exciting (and confusing) part is that no one knows why it happens.
Let’s understand this in simple words.
What is This 26-Second Heartbeat of Earth?
Scientists noticed a rhythmic vibration that comes from deep inside the Earth. This vibration is not random. It happens again and again — exactly every 26 seconds, like a heartbeat.
- This pulse was first discovered in the 1960s by researchers using seismographs.
- It is called a “microseism”, and it repeats at 26-second intervals.
- The source of this vibration seems to be near the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa — near the equator.
Now here’s the surprising thing — it continues to happen, for decades, without any clear reason.
Who Found This?
This unusual heartbeat was first studied by a researcher named Jack Oliver in the 1960s. Later, more scientists across the world confirmed that this strange pulse exists and is not related to earthquakes or volcanic activity.
It is too regular to be random, but also too soft for humans to feel.
What Could Be the Cause?
Till now, no final answer has been found, but scientists have made a few guesses:
- Ocean Waves Hitting the Coast: Some scientists believe this pulse may be created by waves crashing against the continental shelf in that region, creating a repeating vibration.
- Volcanic Activity: A few researchers think this could be a result of slow, deep volcanic tremors.
- Tectonic Plate Movements: Some believe it’s connected to the natural pressure and movement of Earth’s tectonic plates.
But here’s the catch — none of these theories explain it completely. That’s why it still remains a mystery.
Why This Discovery is So Interesting?
- Consistent for decades: Even with all our modern science and tools, this 26-second beat still goes on and hasn’t changed.
- Global curiosity: Seismologists around the world can detect it — not just in Africa, but in America, Asia, and Europe too.
- Still unexplained: The most advanced scientists still say, “We don’t know why.”
What Can Students Learn From This?
- Our planet is full of mysteries — even things happening beneath our feet are still unknown.
- Even with technology, nature has secrets we’ve yet to unlock.
- It’s a great example of observation and patience in science.
So next time you look at the ground beneath you, just remember — the Earth may be beating quietly like a heart, every 26 seconds, and scientists are still listening.