"Nauru ..., officially the Republic of Nauru and formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island nation in Micronesia in the South Pacific. Its nearest neighbour is Banaba Island in Kiribati, 300 km to the east. Nauru is the world's smallest island nation, covering just 21 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi)."
Harold John Barnes was in charge of the navigation station on Nauru during the fatal flight. He may have met Earhart and there is a legend (family anecdote?) that she tried to contact him. He was not on duty when the message above was received.
Sometime during June 30, Earhart received this message from Nauru:
- New Nauru fixed light 0.32°S, 16.55°E [sic], 5000 candlepower, 5600 [sic – 560] above sea level, visible from ships to naked eye at 34 miles. Also, there will be a bright lighting all night on island from phosphate field workings. Weather 8AM: Baro 29.908, therm 84, wind SE at 3, fine but cloudy, sea smooth to moderate.