Mysterious large objects, dubbed 'space balls', have washed up on Forrest Beach in northern Queensland, Australia, prompting a warning from authorities. The Queensland Fire Department advised the public not to touch the potentially hazardous objects and to stay away from them.
Exclusion Zone Set Up
On Sunday, the Queensland Fire Department announced that a 50-metre cordon had been established around the area. Crews in protective gear were seen securing the objects in hazardous-material barrels, with police maintaining a guard presence, according to the BBC. The department wrote on X: "Queensland Fire and Rescue crews are continuing to assist partner agencies following the discovery of several potentially hazardous objects around Forrest Beach in North Queensland. Specialist QFR Scientific teams have safely secured a number of the items throughout the weekend and remain on scene continuing their work."
Likely Space Debris
The strange spheres are believed to be 'space balls', objects that have fallen to Earth from outer space. The Australian Space Agency (ASA) stated that they "appear to be pressure vessels from a space launch vehicle." A statement added: "The agency has identified their likely origin. The location and characteristics of the objects are consistent with debris from a foreign rocket body that recently re-entered the atmosphere from orbit." The ASA is working with international authorities to confirm the launch vehicle.
Local Reaction
Forrest Beach Takeaway owner Lisa Scobie told the public broadcaster ABC: "It's very quiet, not a lot happens here. So having a lot of extra activity... that definitely created a little bit of excitement." The Queensland Fire Department reiterated: "If you come across any suspicious objects in the area, do not touch them. Move away and call Triple Zero (000) immediately. The nature and origin of the debris are still being investigated."
