A mysterious, smouldering object has been uncovered in the Australian Outback, prompting authorities to speculate about its origin.
The object was discovered around 2pm on Saturday, October 18, near a mining site close to the small town of Newman in the Pilbara region.
Authorities were notified, and the area has been secured while investigations are conducted to determine the object’s identity and origin. It is suspected that the item may have fallen from the sky.
Although the Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed that the object is not from a commercial airplane, initial assessments suggest it might be crafted from carbon fiber. It’s possibly part of a pressure vessel or rocket tank, fitting the description of ‘aerospace components’.
WA Police stated: “In consultation with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the object has been ruled out as originating from a commercial aircraft.
“Further technical assessment will be undertaken by engineers from the Australian Space Agency to assist in identifying its nature and source.
“The object has been secured, and there is no current threat to public safety.”
Photos of the sizable, dome-shaped object depict it glowing and smouldering on the red sand, with another image showing it completely burnt out after authorities arrived.
Though it has been dismissed as part of a commercial aircraft, police note that it bears resemblance to space debris.
Authorities are collaborating with the Australian Space Agency, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the mine operator for further investigation.
The object’s formal identification remains pending, but it has sparked interest, especially following previous alleged UFO sightings in the region.
In 2023, a substantial fragment of space debris was found washed up approximately 1,000km southwest of Newman. At that time, the Australian Space Agency suggested it was likely from an Indian launch vehicle.
Matt Woods from Perth Observatory commented that space agencies releasing debris is not unusual.
He told 9 News: “It is on purpose that this bit of rocket body has landed back, but it could just be the way that it’s been tumbling that this piece was able to survive.”
Following this recent event, one person remarked on Facebook: “I am not saying it’s aliens, but…”
Another commented: “Might need to invest in a tin foil hat,” while a third observed: “There’s so much space junk floating around you wouldn’t know whose it is. This could have been floating in space for years before dropping to earth; this must have been a big piece usually they burn up coming into the atmosphere.”
An investigation into the object is now set to commence.