In 1997, a notably unusual story was featured in the New York Times, albeit hidden in a less prominent section. A Times reporter detailed an investigation into a significant seismic event that occurred in the Australian outback nearly four years prior. This event was being examined by scientists who were considering the intriguing possibility that it could have been a nuclear explosion orchestrated by the notorious Japanese cult, Aum Shinrikyo.

This investigation points to the intense curiosity surrounding the incident as well as the broader implications of cult activities and their potential for large-scale destruction. That something of this nature could go largely unnoticed in a major publication highlights not only the complexity of global events but also the challenges of capturing public attention on such critical issues.