Mysterious metal ball from space falls in Namibia
This large metal ball was found in Namibian grasslands in November.
December 22nd, 2011
09:53 PM ET

Mysterious metal ball from space falls in Namibia

A large metal ball that fell from space into the Namibian grasslands last month is not alien, officials say, but that's about all they know for certain about the object.

According to a report on The Namibian website, the 13-pound metal sphere with two bumps on its poles was found by a farmer near Onamatunga in the Omunsati region between November 15 and November 20. Explosions were heard in the area before the discovery, but no evidence of an explosion was seen around the area where the object was found.

Paul Ludik, director of the country's National Forensic Science Institute, told The Namibian the sphere, with a circumference of 3.6 feet, is made of a "sophisticated" metal alloy that is known to man, but he said it has no markings that would identify it. No international space agency has claimed ownership, he said.

“A number of tests have been performed on the object, and it appears to be hollow. We are still busy with a detailed examination of the object,” The Namibian quotes him as saying.

Ludik told The Namibian that the object poses no cause for alarm, and that such reports of metallic spheres falling from space are common in the Southern Hemisphere.

So should we expect a run on helmets at sporting goods stores south of the equator?

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Filed under: Namibia • Space
soundoff (970 Responses)
  1. Walrus Mustache

    "Scudlet"

    January 13, 2012 at 1:28 pm | Report abuse |
    • CSCI132

      Spaceballs Part 2 or a sequal to Gods Must Be Crazy.

      January 16, 2012 at 6:39 pm | Report abuse |
  2. bruguy

    loser

    January 13, 2012 at 1:59 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Ronnie

    It seems more likely that those "explosions" were sonic booms as the object decelerated.

    January 16, 2012 at 4:33 am | Report abuse |
  4. Whanmister

    I've seen that exact part before. It's very common in satellites. I can't remember what it does... something like being a part of a pressure regulator.

    Ronnie, just a small correction, the explosions were sonic booms *as it broke the sound barrier multiple times* as it decelerated. Different levels of the atmosphere have different pressures, so the actual speed of sound varies. It's about 720 mph at sea level and generally gets faster as you get higher, so there can be multiple sonic booms as it re-enters.

    January 16, 2012 at 10:56 am | Report abuse |
    • CmonNow11

      Ive seen them too – during my abduction...

      January 18, 2012 at 2:19 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Mr. F

    the gods must be crazy

    January 17, 2012 at 8:59 am | Report abuse |
  6. randy

    Its a flux capaciter from the Back to the Future moives. Doc didn't make it back this time. Good thing it didn't hit anyone. It would have really Fluxed someone up.

    January 17, 2012 at 12:02 pm | Report abuse |
  7. randy

    Alien Turd.

    January 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm | Report abuse |
  8. onlyonecanopy

    transformer testicle

    January 17, 2012 at 3:25 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Allen

    It's a propellant tank, everyone. Calm down. Looks like a model manufactured by ATK.

    January 20, 2012 at 12:23 am | Report abuse |
  10. Knuckles

    Here come the drums!

    January 20, 2012 at 2:57 am | Report abuse |
  11. Matt

    It's called a metal lined composite overwrap pressure vessel – Get over it

    January 20, 2012 at 5:02 pm | Report abuse |
  12. Clive Gordon

    That's exactly the metal ball the aliens put in my butt aboard their van-shaped spaceship.

    January 20, 2012 at 5:40 pm | Report abuse |
  13. Chris

    Its the borg!

    January 21, 2012 at 12:57 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Karima

    Nick Mays November 9, 2011 at 12:17 am Hey man,met you at the free meat', a few hours ago.An invite would be great,Cheers,Nick

    March 12, 2012 at 12:58 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Glenn

    Its a toglaphane. Though I thought when the paradox machine was destroyed they were wiped out. Oh well I am sure the 11th will be able to figure it out.

    September 12, 2012 at 8:41 am | Report abuse |
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