Australia probes mystery space balls that washed up on beach
Australian authorities are investigating large silver spheres that washed ashore in northern Queensland, believed to be space debris.
Authorities in Australia are investigating the origins of six large silver spheres that washed up on Forrest Beach, north of Townsville in Queensland, over the weekend. The objects are thought to be space debris, and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) is working to determine their source. The BBC has contacted the agency for comment. Crews in protective suits were reportedly seen placing the spheres into hazmat barrels under police guard, amid concerns they may contain hazardous substances. Queensland's fire department stated on Sunday that a 50-metre exclusion zone remains in place, urging anyone who finds a suspicious object to avoid touching it and to immediately call emergency services. Online speculation suggests the spheres could be propellant tanks from spacecraft, potentially containing residual amounts of highly flammable or reactive substances. However, the specific vehicle or owner remains unknown.
