Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Metal Balls From Outer Space Invade Australia
Metal Balls From Outer Space Invade Australia
BY NICHOLAS WERNER JULY 7, 2026 11:25 AM EST
ASA / X
Ever have one of those days when you're invaded by strange metallic objects from beyond our planet? On Sunday, unidentified spheres began appearing in Forrest Beach in Queensland, Australia. And, yes, the Australian Space Agency (ASA) has indeed confirmed that they came from space. Specifically, they appear to be parts from a rocket that have crashed back into the ocean and are now washing up. With more and more mass going into orbit every year, the likelihood of objects falling from orbit keeps increasing. So while no damage has been done to the good people of Australia, that's just because these objects happened to impact at sea. Change the trajectory by just a few degrees, and this would be a very different story.
While the invading balls may harbor no nefarious intent (that we know of), that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. The ASA says that you should "never touch, move or recover suspected space debris and assume it to be hazardous until advised otherwise." The known objects have all been removed by the government now, but more may be out there. The Guardian writes that they are likely part of the rocket's fuel system, and thus might contain highly toxic chemicals. In addition, those parts are actually referred to as "space balls," conclusively confirming that rocket scientists are nerds.
{snip}
BY NICHOLAS WERNER JULY 7, 2026 11:25 AM EST
ASA / X
Ever have one of those days when you're invaded by strange metallic objects from beyond our planet? On Sunday, unidentified spheres began appearing in Forrest Beach in Queensland, Australia. And, yes, the Australian Space Agency (ASA) has indeed confirmed that they came from space. Specifically, they appear to be parts from a rocket that have crashed back into the ocean and are now washing up. With more and more mass going into orbit every year, the likelihood of objects falling from orbit keeps increasing. So while no damage has been done to the good people of Australia, that's just because these objects happened to impact at sea. Change the trajectory by just a few degrees, and this would be a very different story.
While the invading balls may harbor no nefarious intent (that we know of), that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous. The ASA says that you should "never touch, move or recover suspected space debris and assume it to be hazardous until advised otherwise." The known objects have all been removed by the government now, but more may be out there. The Guardian writes that they are likely part of the rocket's fuel system, and thus might contain highly toxic chemicals. In addition, those parts are actually referred to as "space balls," conclusively confirming that rocket scientists are nerds.
{snip}
COMMENTS
4 hours ago
Based on the new Liam Neeson film Cold Storage, you definitely should not go anywhere near space debris that lands in Australia. Its not a documentary, but I still assume every random object in Australia is a potential threat for one reason or another.
Reply
4 hours ago
Which actually works out. If Aliens land in Down Under, the chance of surviving the wildlife is low.
4 hours ago
Based on the new Liam Neeson film Cold Storage, you definitely should not go anywhere near space debris that lands in Australia. Its not a documentary, but I still assume every random object in Australia is a potential threat for one reason or another.
Reply
4 hours ago
Which actually works out. If Aliens land in Down Under, the chance of surviving the wildlife is low.
Reply
4 hours ago
Air/oil compression sphere from orbital Citroen DS.
4 hours ago
Air/oil compression sphere from orbital Citroen DS.
Reply
4 hours ago
To be honest, you just know that 99% of us are going to go up to any odd object found on the beach and start mucking with it.
Reply
2 hours ago
Yeah, I can't exactly tell the size of that one, but if it's big enough and stainless steel, it'd be a barbecue for the back yard before you say grab me a beer while I find the sawzall.
4 hours ago
To be honest, you just know that 99% of us are going to go up to any odd object found on the beach and start mucking with it.
Reply
2 hours ago
Yeah, I can't exactly tell the size of that one, but if it's big enough and stainless steel, it'd be a barbecue for the back yard before you say grab me a beer while I find the sawzall.
5 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Last space mission I undertake without an athletic supporter.
