The 52 Hertz Whale is the cetacean equivalent of a pop-culture phenomenon — a strange creature, known only through recording of whale songs picked up in the Pacific Ocean, who seems to not be a part of any identifiable whale group. Also known as The Loneliest Whale in the World it is a source of pity and fascination among the general public. At PLOS Blogs, Hannah Cheng has a three-part feature on what we do and don't know about the Loneliest Whale. Why, despite 20 years of tracking this thing in sound recordings, do we not have any direct observation of the Loneliest Whale? She's got the answers.

  • GuyInMilwaukee

    Great band name.

  • katkins

    “Sometimes love don’t sound like it should…”

    • katkins

      Hertz so good.

      Anyone?  Bueller?

  • Tchoutoye

    Most likely the whale has a reason it doesn’t enjoy company, including that of nosy humans.

  • anansi133

    It would be nifty if other whales could be enticed into its range, and we could see if they hit it off. Like a dating service for cetaceans.

    • awjt

      Kinda just like the dating sites for home sapiens: infiltrated by cetaceans.

      • oasisob1

        CetaceanBook.

  • Antinous / Moderator

    Maybe it’s something that eats whales and is sending out a Get In Mah Belleh signal.

    • elix

      That is not entirely incompatible with the Great Old Ones’ M.O., I’m just sayin’.

      • Antinous / Moderator

        That’s pretty much what I was thinking. Cthooby Snacks.

        • elix

          “Shoggy, over here!”

          • Felton / Moderator

            And I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren’t for you meddling malevolent cosmic entities!

  • niktemadur

    Sounds like a topic worthy of Mr Karl Pilkington, toffee shops and whales listening to Morrisey records at 52 Hertz and stuff.

  • bcsizemo

    I’m not saying it was…