Mysterious Space Debris: According to police reports on Tuesday, a strange and enigmatic object that washed ashore on Australia’s western coast, sparking excitement and speculation, is space junk.
This copper-colored cylinder, about 10 feet wide, appeared on Green Head Beach, a small coastal town 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Perth. Local residents flocked to see the unidentified item.
The object’s origin was debated on online forums.
On Tuesday, the Western Australia Police Force said the item was likely “space debris,” confirming the space agency’s assessment.
The police initially cautioned locals not to approach the object and set up a perimeter.
In a recent update, the police reported that the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Chemistry Centre of Western Australia analyzed the object and found it safe for the community.
While completing their investigation, authorities are discussing how to safely remove and store the object.
Space debris seems likely given the evidence.
“The object could be from a foreign space launch vehicle, and we are collaborating with international counterparts who may be able to provide additional information,” the Australian Space Agency tweeted Monday.
This tall cylinder, encrusted with barnacles and damaged at one end, likely drifted at sea before landing.
The space agency advised against handling or moving the object due to its unknown origin and to report any additional debris.
The police said they would protect the item until it was removed, ruling out a commercial aircraft origin.
Space archaeologist Alice Gorman from Flinders University in Adelaide believes the cylinder is part of India’s third-phase polar satellite launch vehicle.
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“It shares identical dimensions and materials,” Gorman told CNN.
Rocket stages discard spent fuel compartments sequentially as propellant is depleted, resulting in debris falling to Earth.
Gorman also noted that the cylinder’s relatively intact color and shape indicate that it did not endure the intense heat of re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere after detaching from its parent vehicle. A deep-sea storm may have pushed it ashore after five to ten years in the ocean.
The archaeologist added that the cylinder uses solid fuel, which only emits toxic substances at high temperatures. She cautioned locals.
“As a general rule, it’s best not to touch space junk unless necessary,” Gorman advised.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is Kessler syndrome real?
The Kessler Syndrome is a theory where Earth’s orbit becomes crowded with stuff, making it hard to use satellites in some areas.
What space junk is out there?
Approximately 25,000 objects, including old satellites, rocket components, and other debris, are floating around in space, posing a danger to vital satellites. The majority of these items are located in low Earth orbit, where nine out of 10 important satellites reside. This accumulation of space junk is out of control and could potentially disrupt the functioning of essential satellites.
What is the mystery item on Green Head Beach?
A strange metal object discovered on a secluded Australian beach has been recognized as potential debris from an Indian rocket, according to the Australian Space Agency. The mysterious find was located near Green Head, sparking curiosity and speculation about its origins. After further investigation, experts have determined that the object is likely a fragment from a space mission, adding a touch of cosmic intrigue to the remote coastal area.
What is the debris floating in space?
In 2021, the United States Space Surveillance Network kept tabs on over 15,000 chunks of space junk bigger than 10 cm (4 inches). There’s an estimated 200,000 pieces measuring 1 to 10 cm (0.4 and 4 inches), and potentially millions of even tinier bits under 1 cm.