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. Cubikrubik

    It's a gravitational stabilizer bearing from Collectors ship!

    December 23, 2011 at 8:15 am | Report abuse |
  2. MakeThemEatCake

    Hollow?? This is the result of a test to check the accuracy of a space based weapon. "They" meant to hit the spot they did. The middle of nowhere so no one would get hurt. The next one won't be empty. Happy Holidays..

    December 23, 2011 at 8:15 am | Report abuse |
    • yOyO

      LOL Thanks for ending your comment with holiday cheer LOL

      December 23, 2011 at 8:24 am | Report abuse |
  3. MJ

    That is a autobot from transformers....Soon we will have one turn into a car or flying something.....
    "I come to earth to show you my car". "where is Sam Witwicky"

    December 23, 2011 at 8:16 am | Report abuse |
    • ajeet

      i am here 😀

      December 23, 2011 at 8:29 am | Report abuse |
  4. wildone

    I think it's a Terminator egg, and when it hatches everybody'd better run like hell.

    December 23, 2011 at 8:16 am | Report abuse |
  5. Cndopinoin

    Hmmm Maybe after 1 calendar year it opens up only to bring the rapture!!! DEC 21ST 2012 PEOPLE!!!

    December 23, 2011 at 8:16 am | Report abuse |
  6. Sarah

    Someone's been playing with the cannon again.... looks like some kind of amateur cannon ball to me

    December 23, 2011 at 8:18 am | Report abuse |
  7. Muttling

    Looks like an ICM to me. (One of the little bombs that comes out of a cluster bomb.)

    December 23, 2011 at 8:19 am | Report abuse |
  8. oddball

    Maybe it's from the Russian Phobos Grunt spacecraft?
    See pic,
    http://smsc.cnes.fr/IcPHOBOS/photos/Dsc04658.png

    December 23, 2011 at 8:19 am | Report abuse |
  9. Glaziers930

    Google Satellite fuel tanks images mystery solved.CNN #1 for news LOL.

    December 23, 2011 at 8:20 am | Report abuse |
  10. Ted

    This is a helium tank from the Russian Salyut 7-Cosmos 1686 (Kosmos 1686) spacecraft assembly

    December 23, 2011 at 8:21 am | Report abuse |
  11. Anatole

    That's the canonball from mythbusters, yo.

    December 23, 2011 at 8:22 am | Report abuse |
  12. DR

    It's the Death Probe! Where's Oscar and Steve when you need 'em?! ! 😀

    December 23, 2011 at 8:25 am | Report abuse |
  13. Comedian 202

    Am I the only one who thought of Mel Brooks "Space Balls" once I read the headline?

    December 23, 2011 at 8:25 am | Report abuse |
  14. Overlord

    "Well, if it isn't Lone Starr and his sidekick, Puke."

    "That's Barf."

    -Spaceballs

    December 23, 2011 at 8:25 am | Report abuse |
  15. Skeptic

    CNN is always a day behind on news. Russian satellite fuel tank is it: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2796/4451626178_1b93e78d0a_z.jpg?zz=1

    December 23, 2011 at 8:26 am | Report abuse |
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