"Surprising Discovery: Listening Network Designed to Detect Nuclear Bomb Tests Discovers Blue Whales Instead"
A global network of sensors, originally created to detect unauthorized nuclear detonations, has unexpectedly led to the discovery of a previously unknown pod of pygmy blue whales in the Indian Ocean. The network, known as the International Monitoring System, consists of over 300 facilities worldwide that can detect various sounds and rumblings, including seismic waves, hydro-acoustic signals, infrasound, and radioactive particles. Researchers used the hydro-acoustic network of the system to analyze the songs of whale populations and identified a new population of pygmy blue whales. This discovery is significant for conservation efforts, as blue whales were hunted close to extinction in the 20th century. The network's founders likely did not anticipate all of its uses, but it has evolved into a valuable tool for monitoring both human and natural activities worldwide.