Australia Investigates Suspected Space Debris Found on Queensland Beach

Australian authorities are investigating the origin of six large silver spheres that washed ashore on a beach in northern Queensland, Jaroslav Lukiv reported for BBC News.

Authorities inspect metallic spheres found on a beach in northern Queensland as investigators examine whether they are space debris. (Photo: Supplied)

The solid objects were discovered on Forrest Beach, north of Townsville, and are believed to be possible space debris. The Australian Space Agency is working to determine their origin.

According to reports, crews wearing protective suits placed the spheres into hazardous-material containers under police supervision amid concerns they could contain dangerous substances.

Queensland fire authorities said a 50-mile (about 80-kilometer) exclusion zone remained in place on Sunday and urged anyone who encounters suspicious objects in the area not to touch them.

Instead, members of the public should move away immediately and contact emergency services.

It is not the first time unusual objects believed to be space debris have washed ashore in Australia. In 2023, India confirmed that a large metal object found on a beach in Western Australia originated from one of its rockets.