325/Theories

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Theories about 325

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Stated as questions or possibilities (avoid question marks, "Maybe", "I think", etc). More appropriate for another article. Illogical or previously disproven. Proven by canon source, and moved to main article. Speculative and lacking any evidence to support arguments. Responding to another theory (use discussion page instead). This does not include responses that can stand alone as its own theory. Usage of an indented bullet does not imply the statement is a response. See the Lostpedia theory policy for more details.

Contents 1 Snowglobe 2 Electromagnetism 3 The Numbers 4 Location of the Island 5 Miscellaneous 6 Possible references

Snowglobe

• As Desmond says that they 'are stuck in a snowglobe', the only way out of the snowglobe is the 325 degree bearing.

Electromagnetism

• The electromagnetic anomalies found on the island interfere with compass readings (Sayid has already pointed this out) and as such will guide anyone navigating via a compass back around to the island. In "Live Together, Die Alone" it is confirmed that the Electromagnet is destroyed or useless, so the natural anomalies it controlled are now present again.
• This would not affect GPS, radio compasses, navigation by constellations or sunrise/sunset. Magnetic anomolies are insufficient to cause this level of navigational difficulty.
• The compass bearing may be invalid, because it is based on data obtained prior to the discharge.
• Ben does seem rather unimpressed by the unusual events, may be familiar with them, and the bearing he gives may be the only one which can withstand the magnetic fields which now emanate from the Island, and leads to an escape from the Island.
  • In an interview with Michael Emerson, who plays Ben, he said that his character was not surprised to see the sky turn purple, so he at least knew something about what was happening.

The Numbers

• Since connection to the Numbers is typically bad luck, 325 having no relation to them may mean it actually is the only way off the Island.
• Such headings are not always followed exact. If the actual heading is supposed to be 324 (3x108) it makes sense that Ben (and the writers) would round up or down to the nearest five. Michael and Walt would still see the same land mass or 'exit' as on a 324 bearing. One degree wouldn't make all that big a difference.
• Though, depending on how far you are traveling, any pilot or sailor will tell one one degree can make ALL the difference. Also of note is the [| magnetic_declination] of a given point on earth

Location of the Island

• There are very few places in the South Pacific Ocean where a heading of 325 would intersect with another land mass within the potential range of the boat. Either the island may be located within a hundred miles or so to the south-east of a more civilized real-world location.

Miscellaneous

• Connection to the Swan Hatch Mural - The arrow in the middle of the mural is pointing at 325 degrees and has the word "Out" next to it.
• The bearing was calculated by the mathematician Horace Goodspeed, who worked in The Arrow (this was perhaps the only purpose of the station, which explains why it was later used as a storage facility).
• The news report of the 'discovery' of 815 on the seabed mentions the loss of 'all 324 passengers and crew'. Assuming that Aaron is not included in this tally, his inclusion would bring that total up to 325.

Possible references

• Area code 325 is in West Texas
• In AD 325, the First Council of Nicaea was held
• 325's prime factors are 5 x 5 x 13
• 325 is a triangular, hexagonal, and enneagonal (nonagonal) number, and many more; see OEIS
• 325 could be a salute to the Alfred Hitchcock film "North By Northwest" (1959) which involves a case of mistaken identity and a 3,000 mile chase. Alfred Hitchcock had originally intended to film "The Wreck of the Mary Deare" (1959) which involves a small rescue boat encountering a mysterious freighter left adrift.