Odd device found in NOAA archives stumps historians. Can you help solve the mystery?

It has long been rumored the government had mysterious things boxed up and locked away, and lo and behold, a photo of one emerged this week from the bowels of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

However, before you get all excited, this oddball revelation came with a catch.

“This instrument recently surfaced in NOAA’s heritage collection,” the administration wrote.

“The tag attached to the device identifies it as a tsunami detector and alarm. ... However, it is unclear who designed it or how and where (scientists) may have used it.”

In other words, they aren’t sure how it works.

It’s hoped someone among the nation’s “seafarers, history buffs and ocean lovers” recognizes the device and can explain it to the experts.

Some scraps of documentation were found, NOAA says, and it indicates the device came off the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Ship Pathfinder, which was decommissioned in 1970.

A label on the gadget says “USC&GS No. 8” and there was also a handwritten note in the box that said: “Tsunami detector sets off alarm when water rises too fast in tide gauge well. ... Mercury rising in tubes makes electrical contact which sets off alarm.”

Whatever all that means.

Multiple photos show the device resembles something from a mad scientist’s lab, including rulers, a U-shaped glass tube and a faucet handle.

NOAA says it’s now up to the public to help solve the mystery.

“Do you know about this instrument or ones like it? If so, we’d love to hear from you!” NOAA says. “What can you tell us about it?”

Anyone with ideas can email heritage.program@noaa.gov.

This story was originally published August 11, 2023 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Odd device found in NOAA archives stumps historians. Can you help solve the mystery?."