Scientists are examining a mysterious metallic sphere recovered in Colombia, believed by some to be an unidentified flying object (UFO).
The item was first seen flying over the town of Buga in early March before being recovered by local researchers.
Jose Luis Velazquez, a scientist involved in the investigation, described the object as having no visible welds or joints, an unusual characteristic that has raised questions about its origin.
He added that mysterious carvings were etched into its surface. “It's a very rare piece,” Velazquez said in a video shared online. “I’ve never seen a piece like this.”
Initial scans using X-ray imaging revealed that the sphere comprises three layers of metal, as well as nine smaller “microspheres” inside.
While no definitive explanation has been offered, Velazquez’s team continues to study the object.
However, some experts remain cautious.
Dr Julia Mossbridge, a physicist from the University of San Diego and founder of The Institute for Love and Time (TILT), said she believed the item could be a sophisticated art project.
“Before you decide something’s anomalous or a UFO, bring the object to a group like the Galileo Project,” Mossbridge said, referring to the research initiative led by Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb that investigates unidentified aerial phenomena using scientific methods.
Mossbridge noted that such discoveries might reflect societal anxieties more than alien encounters.
“We’re entering a time when we don’t have the control that we thought we had,” she said. “If an artist is doing this, why is that? I think it’s because we’re learning we don’t fully understand what’s in our skies or waters.”
While sceptical of the Colombian sphere, Mossbridge does not discount all reports of anomalous phenomena.
“The federal government has admitted that there are things we don’t understand, but we are investigating them,” she added.
She also highlighted the need for international, non-governmental research into these phenomena. “The sphere in Colombia is in a different country. So what are the rules about how we deal with something interesting found there?”
In a separate statement, Mossbridge urged a measured response to the unknown.
“The natural human response to the unknown is fear,” she said. “But we need to recognise that understanding and exploration — not fear — are what keep us safe.”
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ