Taraia Object Expedition Awaits Clearance from Kiribati Officials

Purdue University’s Research Foundation and the Archaeological Legacy Institute have confirmed that they will be putting their quest to find Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra aircraft on hold until next year. The announcement blamed seasonal weather that would jeopardize the expedition if it continued to wait for Kiribati’s green light.

The Taraia Object Expedition was originally slated to depart the Marshall Islands this November.

The search will center on Nikumaroro Island, where satellite imagery shows a visual anomaly known as the “Taraia Object.” Researchers believe it could be what’s left of Earhart’s Electra, lost in 1937 during her attempt to circumnavigate the globe. The potential wreckage has reportedly remained in place since 1938 and joins a list of clues supporting the Nikumaroro theory, including radio distress calls, 1930s artifacts, and skeletal remains that may have belonged to Earhart.

"The expedition was delayed as the team continues to work through additional stages of the permit approval process with the Kiribati government," the statement read. "A safe departure cannot be later in 2025 with the onset of the South Pacific cyclone season."

Earhart’s link to Purdue runs deep. She joined the university in 1935 as a visiting faculty member and career counselor, later being granted Purdue funds for the custom-built “flying laboratory” she used for her final flight. The Purdue University Airport (LAF) also recently completed construction on a new terminal building named after the aviator.

“Both Earhart and her husband and manager, George Putnam, expressed their intention to return the Electra to Purdue after her historic flight,” said Steven Schultz, senior VP and general counsel of Purdue University. “Based on the evidence, we agree with ALI that this expedition offers the best chance not only to solve perhaps the greatest mystery of the 20th century, but also to fulfill Amelia’s wishes and bring the Electra home.”

FMI: www.purdue.edu