New images of the Titanic wreck via an underwater robot
A few days ago, a new photographic expedition has been completed on the site of the Titanic’s sinking. The expedition has resulted in a series of high-resolution pictures and three-dimensional image, better than any other available so far from the sunken ship.
To achieve this, the exploration group took advantage of several technological devices of the latest generation, such as a series of digital sonar scanning equipment mounted on an underwater robot, the Remora ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) manufactured by Phoenix International.
The data gathered by this sonar are combined with high-resolution optical images to create a three-dimensional image of the wreck. This image was then combined with the seabed profile, collected from a series of AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), that is, underwater drones that are able to move around in the water without human intervention, while collecting data collect data thanks to their detection equipment and acoustic transponders that keep them in touch with one another.
The imaging expedition, temporarily on hold due to hurricane Igor approaching, will resume as soon as possible to continue to collect data and information on the Titanic, in anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the sinking, which will occur in 2012.
About the sinking, it is worth mentioning a new theory, according to which what caused the impact with the iceberg was the misinterpretation of a command to turn, to be performed with the rudder rather than the tiller. In fact, to perform the same maneuver using one of two systems, you must turn the wheel to the right, while with the other you must turn to the left.
Usage of a different system would therefore turn the Titanic in the wrong direction, straight against the iceberg that caused the sinking. Most likely the truth about that night will never be known, but in the meantime we can enjoy these new images.
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