Sunday, 24 Nov 2024

Mystery of metal dome found on beach finally solved after locals’ MH370 theories

The mystery of a metal dome found washed up on an Australian beach has finally been solved, according to scientists, afters some questioned if it was related to the doomed MH370 flight.

The bizarre object, measuring more than two metres in width and almost three metres in height, was first discovered on Green Head in Western Australia's Mid West Coast on July 15 and it has left locals and authorities baffled ever since.

Now boffins at the Australian Space Agency (ASA) has concluded its two-week investigation into the unusual phenomenon and has finally come up with an explanation.

READ MORE: Amateur sleuth 'solves' mystery of strange 2m tall object that washed up on beach

The agency took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the object probably belonged to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"We have concluded the object… is most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)," they wrote.

"The PSLV is a medium-lift launch vehicle operated by [ISRO]."

The object was first found covered in barnacles on July 15 by a member of the public, and the discovery sparked a number of theories.

The ASA and other scientists initially suspected it to be debris from a space vehicle, while police said they "[couldn't] confirm" whether the item was of military origin as they opened an investigation with the Australian Defence Force.

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Others speculated the cylinder could have fallen from the MH370 flight, which vanished off the coast of Western Australia in 2014 with 239 passengers onboard.

However this theory was quickly shut down, with aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas saying there was "no chance" it could have come from the ill-fated aircraft.

"It's not any part of a Boeing 777 and the fact is MH370 was lost nine and a half years ago so it would show a great deal more wear and tear on the debris," he told Australian news outlet ABC.

The ASA has since announced they are storing the item and working with ISRO to work out their next move.

"The debris remains in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO, who will provide further confirmation to determine next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties," the agency wrote.

"The Australian Space Agency is committed to the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, including debris mitigation, and continues to highlight this on the international stage."

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