Ivan Terence Sanderson
Perhaps his most radical (and least remembered) contribution was his . Sanderson noticed that the Earth's major atmospheric and oceanic anomalies (including the Bermuda Triangle, the Dragon's Triangle near Japan, and the Algerian Megalithic Zone) occurred at specific points equidistant from one another around the globe.
During the 1920s and 30s, Sanderson led several high-profile biological expeditions to West Africa and the Caribbean for the British Museum and the Royal Society. His early books, such as and "Caribbean Treasure" (1939) , were popular successes that focused on the ecological behavior of animals rather than just their anatomy. The Shift to the Unexplained ivan terence sanderson
: He was a frequent guest on television talk shows and variety shows in the 1950s and 60s, where he would display exotic animals and discuss his adventures. Perhaps his most radical (and least remembered) contribution
So the next time you see a blurry picture of a lake monster or hear a strange sound in the woods, don't call a ghost hunter. Pour a glass of Scotch, put on a tweed jacket, and ask yourself: What would Ivan do? His early books, such as and "Caribbean Treasure"
He wasn't just a tourist; he was collecting specimens for the British Museum and other institutions. He discovered new species, including a striking lizard known as Sanderson’s Monitor. During World War II, his background in biology and geography made him a valuable asset for British Naval Intelligence, where he worked on survival training and specialized in counter-espionage involving tropical environments.
There was also the issue of his vast collection of oddities at his estate in New Jersey, which some critics felt was more akin to a carnival sideshow than a museum. Yet, Sanderson never claimed to have all the answers. He positioned himself as a collector of data, leaving the final verdict open.
Sanderson theorized that these vortices were electromagnetic anomalies caused by the Earth's rotation and the flow of hot and cold air and water currents. He speculated that these areas played havoc with navigation instruments and could even create "windows" or gateways. This theory laid the groundwork for the later "12 Vile Vortices" map that became a staple of 1970s paranormal lore.