A mysterious metal ball has washed up on a beach in Japan, a mysterious object that has baffled authorities and residents alike.
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The appearance of the object on the Hamamatsu city shoreline prompted the police to dispatch the bomb squad, but analyzes showed that there was no immediate threat.
Fearing it was a mine, authorities checked the device with X-rays, but the interior was found to be hollow.
The ball, which has a diameter of approximately 1.5 meters, was discovered by a citizen. A large security perimeter has been established.
The ball made of metal has a rusty appearance and has two handles on its surface, suggesting that it may have been snagged on something, reports Sky News.
Speculation on social media suggested the balloon came from outer space or questioned whether it was another type of surveillance balloon.
This discovery comes following the documented sighting of at least four balloons in North America, including one of Chinese origin.
Balloon sightings have also taken place elsewhere in the world, notably in South America and Europe.
