From the deep, dark oceans to the endless reaches of space, our reality is filled with mysteries that have yet to be answered. But, with our rapid advances in exploration, technology, and science, we might be close to solving some of the most exciting mysteries of our time. A lot can be done in a decade, so hopefully some, if not all, of the 15 enigmas mentioned below will have a little more understanding attached to them.
Deciphering the Voynich Manuscripts
The Voynich Manuscripts are ancient documents dating to the early 15th century. Their origin has been traced back to Italy during the Italian Renaissance, but little else is known about them. Strange symbols and drawings of plants that don’t exist can be found throughout the manuscripts. Stylists and analysts have yet to decipher the writing or the illustrations in the Voynich Manuscripts, but with machine learning and AI-driven language models, they might finally decode its script.
The Construction of Stonehenge
The tools of ancient Neolithic people can’t explain the wonder of Stonehenge, yet it was built and still stands today. Some of the stones used to build Stonehenge weigh up to 25 tons, and we already need advanced tools even to lift them. However, with new technology like improved ground penetrating radar and 3D simulations, we might be able to understand how these stones could have been moved and what the motives were for moving them.
Formation of Planets
Although we already understand that planets form from gas and cosmic dust, we don’t know the whole process. Gas giants could be born close to stars, or they could move through the galaxy until coming in contact with a powerful enough star that then holds them in place. With new telescopes and next-gen observatories used for mapping the stars, we could finally understand how planets are formed.
What Dark Matter Really Is
Most of our universe, totaling around 85%, consists of dark matter, but even though we know of dark matter, no astrophysicist has been able to understand what dark matter is. Although dark matter is invisible, its gravitational effects are undeniable, which is how we discovered it in the first place. Luckily, with experiments involving the Large Hadron Collider and telescopes scanning various systems, we hope to finally identify what dark matter is.
Cleopatra’s Tomb
The search for Cleopatra’s tomb has been ongoing for centuries without any luck. But archaeologists have started to investigate promising sites close to Alexandria, aided by more effective drones and superior radar technologies. Unearthing her tomb will provide priceless insight into one of the most iconic rulers in history, and could potentially provide more information surrounding her death and the era she ruled in.
The Lost Colony of Roanoke
The word “Croatoan” carved into a tree was the only remaining clue of the English settlers who vanished from Roanoke Island in the late 1500s. Historians have never been able to deduce an accurate fate for the settlers, but that could change soon. With recent archaeological digs and DNA testing of the surrounding tribes, a trace of the lost settlers might be uncovered, whether that be their absorption into local tribes or a much darker end.
Empty Void in the Great Pyramids
While investigating the Great Pyramid of Giza in 2017, scientists discovered a mysterious void inside. Many theories exist, naming it a hidden chamber or just a structural flaw, but its real purpose might soon be known to us. Mini-robot explorations and ongoing scans may give archaeologists enough information to develop a plausible answer to the pyramid’s gaping void.
Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance
In 1937, Amelia Earhart attempted to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Unfortunately, she disappeared in July of that year while flying over the Pacific Ocean. Early in 2024, explorers discovered a shape with the dimensions of Amelia Earhart’s plane 16,000 feet below the surface. The evidence has yet to be fully inspected, but if it is her plane, we might have an answer to her almost century-long disappearance.
Location of the Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant houses the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written, but it has been lost for millennia, and many speculate whether it ever existed at all. There are stories of the ark being hidden in Ethiopia or buried under Jerusalem, but no evidence has ever been provided to reinforce these claims. However, with new satellite imaging, access to more religious sites, and precise dimensions mentioned in the Bible, the location of the Ark of the Covenant may soon be found.
Mystery of the Indus Script
The Indus Valley Script has baffled historians from the moment of its discovery, since nobody has ever been able to decipher what the symbols mean. Due to the advancement of AI and general improvements in technology, computational linguists and symbol-pattern analysts could start deciphering the script. If it is deciphered, we will be able to better understand one of the earliest urban civilizations we’ve come across in history.
Babushka Lady’s Identity
During the tragic assassination of JFK, a mysterious lady could be seen filming the scene behind a set of stairs and bushes. Her identity is a complete mystery, which led investigators to call her “Babushka Lady” because of her Russian-like appearance. If the footage taken by the Babushka Lady can be recovered, it could provide new angles on one of the most conspiratorial assassinations in American history.
Disappearance of the Neanderthals
Neanderthals are believed to have gone extinct around 40,000 years ago, but the reason for their extinction is still up for debate. Many theories include tribal infighting, diseases from other humans (which they weren’t immune to), a rapid change in climate, or interbreeding. Luckily, with new genome studies and a reconstruction of the climate 40,000 years ago, it’s more likely a combination of all causes than a singular cause.
The Mass of a Neutrino
For a long time, the mass of a neutrino was determined to be zero because of its small rest mass and weak interactions. However, it was discovered that these particles do hold mass, but that signaled the next big question, “What’s their mass?” Luckily, experiments like KATRIN aim to uncover the exact mass of a neutrino, and each campaign brings us one step closer to success.
Death of the Somerton Beach Man
In 1948, a man was found dead on a beach in Australia carrying a coded message and no identification, and was called the “Somerton Man”. In recent years, the identity of the Somerton Man was discovered to be that of Carl Webb, but his name means little if his cause of death and the mysterious note remain unsolved. Further research into his nationality and possible causes of death could bring explanations for what happened to Carl Webb.
The Isdal Woman
The charred body of a woman was found in 1970, located in Norway’s Isdalen Valley. While her body was surrounded by various items that suggested foul play, the strangest of all were her suitcases, which were found three days later at Bergen railway station. Various currencies, wigs, maps, and clothing were found. Since she traveled around with at least eight fake passports and aliases, investigators still have no real identity for the Isdal Woman, but with new DNA testing, a conclusion could be in sight.
