Strange balls found on Queensland beaches could be toxic ‘space debris’, experts warn

Strange spherical objects found on Queensland’s beaches on Sunday could be potentially hazardous “space debris” that has washed ashore, Australian authorities have warned.Half a dozen such balls have been collected by officials along Queensland’s coastline, including in Forrest Beach.The beach was temporarily shut off to the public after a 50-metre exclusion zone was put in place.

“Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) crews are continuing to assist partner agencies following the discovery of several potentially hazardous objects around Forrest Beach in North Queensland,” the regional fire department said in a post on X.“QFR scientific teams have safely secured a number of the items throughout the weekend and remain on scene continuing their work,” the fire department said.open image in galleryStrange black balls found in Queensland beaches (QFD)Authorities were reportedly called on Friday to probe the beach after one such “potentially toxic” piece of debris was found washed up on the sand.

The small coastal community’s local residents of about 2,500 people were advised to not touch the strange objects.“If you come across any suspicious objects in the area, do not touch them. Move away and call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” QFR said.

“The nature and origin of the debris are still being investigated,” it said.open image in galleryStrange black ball found in Queensland beach (QFD via X)Australia’s national emergency management agency said the objects are likely washed up "space debris" from a rocket launch.Their appearance matches the look of hydrazine fuel tanks made of titanium alloys that are used in satellites and spacecraft for manoeuvring.

Hydrazine is a highly volatile and corrosive chemical that is used for this purpose, as well as in emergency aircraft power units.It is also a known hazardous carcinogen, experts say.“The objects have been safely secured in drums,” QFD said.

open image in galleryStrange black ball found at a Queensland beach (QFD via X)Sometimes space debris may not completely burn when they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and can land or wash up ashore.Several such debris have previously been recovered in Australia, including fragments from the Skylab space station that landed in Western Australia in 1979, a SpaceX Dragon trunk found in New South Wales in 2022, and a pressure vessel from a launch vehicle that washed up in Western Australia in 2023. The Australian Space Agency warns locals not to touch any such debris, as they are usually built from a range of materials, some of which can be hazardous.

“Notify the Australian Space Agency, who may support authorities with technical expertise, liaise with foreign counterparts and operators, and advise on our treaty obligations,” ASA said.Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments