[Kumamoto Prefecture] Kumamoto Prefectural Uto High School Science Club’s Earth Science Team achieves crowdfunding goal for investigation and research on the “Shiranui” phenomenon
～Currently recruiting [until September 30th (Monday)]～
*Kumamoto Prefecture*
Press release: September 11, 2024
**
Kumamoto Prefectural Uto High School Science Club’s Earth Science Team has achieved its crowdfunding goal for investigating and researching the “Shiranui” phenomenon – Recruitment is open until September 30th (Monday) –
*~Would you like to support high school students who are taking on the challenge of observing the phantom “Shiranui”~*
Researching the “Shiranui” phenomenon that no one knows about. The geology team of Kumamoto Prefectural Uto High School’s science club will take on the challenge of observing the phantom “Shiranui”, which has only been seen in the Yatsushiro Sea (Shiranui Sea). In order to enhance our research and research and procure cooperation from external organizations, we have been seeking crowdfunding from those who support us, and we achieved our goal of 500,000 yen on August 30th (Friday). I have done so, so I would like to report it. Please note that recruitment will continue until September 30th (Monday).
Uto High School Science Club Earth Science Group Crowdfunding Details ■Crowdfunding recruitment period: Until September 30, 2024 (Monday) ■Target amount: 500,000 yen
■Use of funds: Purchasing survey and research equipment, and thanking local residents for their cooperation in observing the Shiranui phenomenon.
■About support courses and thank you items:
*For this project, we have prepared seven types of support courses. We will send you a return gift depending on the amount of support.
* -1,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
* -3,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
* -5,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
・Wadatsumi-sama
・Goshuin of Nagaoken Shrine
* -10,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
・Wadatsumi-sama
・Goshuin of Nagaoken Shrine
・Eipai (manufactured and sold by Western confectionery shop “Ako no Ki” in Shiranui-cho, Uki City)
* -30,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
・Wadatsumi-sama
・Goshuin, amulets, and votive tablets from Nagaoken Shrine
・Eipai (manufactured and sold by Western confectionery shop “Ako no Ki” in Shiranui-cho, Uki City)
* -50,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
・Goshuin, amulets, and votive tablets from Nagaoken Shrine
・Eipai (manufactured and sold by Western confectionery shop “Ako no Ki” in Shiranui-cho, Uki City)
* -100,000 yen course-*
・Thank you letters from students
・Presentation abstract collection
・Wadatsumi-sama
・Goshuin, amulets, and votive tablets from Nagaoken Shrine
・Eipai (manufactured and sold by Western confectionery shop “Ako no Ki” in Shiranui-cho, Uki City)
Eipai (manufactured and sold by Western confectionery shop “Ako no Ki” in Shiranui-cho, Uki City)
Mistress Wadatsu
Nagaoken Shrine Goshuin
Nagaoken Shrine amulet
Nagaoken Shrine Ema
Click here to apply
https://www.glocal-cf.com/project/uto-sh-shiranui
Regarding the investigation and research of the “Shiranui” phenomenon In the science department’s geology group, we decided to explore the mysterious “Shiranui” out of curiosity.
We began our research in 2018, and have received high praise at multiple academic conferences and science contests, including the Natural Science Division and Agency for Cultural Affairs
Commissioner’s Award at the 43rd National High School Cultural Festival 2023.
In the future, we hope to unravel the mysteries of the Shiranui phenomenon by conducting further surveys and research and obtaining cooperation from outside organizations.
■What I want to achieve in the future
・Unraveling the mystery of Shiranui
・I would like to have a fishing boat (Isaribi) sent out artificially and photograph modern Shiranui.
・I want to improve the reproducibility of Shiranui reproduction experiments -What is the “Shiranui” phenomenon?-
The “Shiranui” phenomenon is a phenomenon in which mysterious lights appear horizontally on the dark horizon, flickering on and off on the night of Hassaku (August 1st according to the lunar calendar) in the Shiranui Sea. It’s a phenomenon. It is also written in the Nihon Shoki as a fire of unknown identity, and this phenomenon is the origin of the name Shiranui. The cause of Shiranui outbreaks is scientifically unknown, and no one really knows. It is said that there were about two researchers on Shiranui after the war, but no research has been conducted on it for over 40 years, and public interest has waned. -About research so far (what we learned and what we achieved)- Question 1: Can we see the “Shiranui” phenomenon now?
Answer: As a result of a total of 23 overnight field observations over 6 years, we were never able to observe Shiranui.
However, we were able to confirm a strange phenomenon in which the number of visible light sources changed over time from 0 to 1 to 2.
Question 2: What is the principle behind the mysterious phenomenon observed? Answer: The mysterious phenomenon observed during the Hassaku period was scientifically explained as a nighttime “lower mirage” caused by large changes in the tide level of the Shiranui Sea.
A lower mirage is a phenomenon known as a “floating island,” in which islands appear to float above the sea, and has been observed all over the country.
The mysterious phenomenon observed during this observation was not Shiranui, but a mirage called a “lateral mirage” in which lights lined up on the left and right, and it has not been observed since the 1990s.
Question 3: Is it possible to recreate Shiranui?
Answer: At school, we tried to reproduce the experiment using heaters and fans. When heated with a heater, a “lateral mirage” in which the light source splits horizontally was seen, and when a fan was used to blow a breeze, they succeeded in reproducing a Shiranui in which they expanded and contracted.
This is the first time in the world that we have been able to successfully recreate Shiranui and take clear photos and videos. Observation situation
Reproduction experiment
* About Kumamoto Prefectural Uto High School *
Our school launched the “Global Leader Development Project” in 2012, which is centered around an overseas training program, in order to develop language skills that can be used in a rapidly evolving international society.We send many students overseas every year. , I am striving to improve my language skills.
In addition, from 2013, we have been designated as a “Super Science High School (SSH)”, which aims to develop future international science and technology human resources, and have further strengthened the motivation and ability of students who have a strong desire to learn in the fields of science and mathematics. I’m stretching it. Kumamoto Prefectural Uto Junior High School and Uto High School are expanding their activities through various projects, aiming to develop human resources who can achieve both literary and military skills and who can play an active role globally, and we will do our best to support students who do their best!