A Reddit user made a surprising find: a shiny, round silver ball with red ribbons and a parachute lying on their land. At first glance, it looked like some sort of alien technology, straight out of a sci-fi story.
In reality, the object was a radar calibration sphere. These spheres are designed to be perfectly round and ultra-reflective so radar systems can measure them consistently from any direction. This helps scientists calibrate radar equipment that tracks weather, airplanes, or even satellites.
These spheres are launched from aircraft or balloons during testing and are equipped with parachutes and ribbons to slow their descent and stabilize their flight. Thanks to air currents, they can land miles away from where they started, often in unexpected spots.
Although they may seem unusual, they are completely safe with no dangerous contents. It’s best to report finding one to the proper authorities since they may be valuable for re-use or investigations.
Organizations like meteorology centers, military, and space agencies use these spheres to verify the accuracy of their communication and tracking devices. When you come across such an object, it’s more than just a metal ball—it’s a crucial part of the technology guarding our skies.
