Mysterious smouldering object lands in Australian Outback as experts give theories on what it could be

A mysterious, smouldering object has been discovered in the Australian Outback, with authorities sharing theories on what they think it could be.

The item was found at around 2pm on Saturday (October 18) near a mining site not far from the small town of Newman, in the Pilbara region.

Police were alerted, and the area has been cordoned off while an investigation takes place into what the object is and where it came from; however, it is reported that authorities currently believe it has fallen from the sky.

While the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has confirmed the object is not from a commercial airplane, initial findings claim the object could be made from carbon fibre, potentially from a pressure vessel or rocket tank, consistent with 'aerospace components'.

WA Police said in a statement: "In consultation with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the object has been ruled out as originating from a commercial aircraft.

The object was found in a remote area of Australia (WA Police)

"Further technical assessment will be undertaken by engineers from the Australian Space Agency to assist in identifying its nature and source.

"The object has been secured, and there is no current threat to public safety."

Images of the large, dome-shaped object show it glowing and smouldering on red sand, while another shows it completely burnt out once authorities had arrived on the scene.

While it has been ruled out as being part of a commercial aircraft, police have said that it has similar characteristics to space debris.

They have also said they are now working with the Australian Space Agency, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the mine operator to investigate further.

While the item has yet to be formally identified, it's sparked some intrigue, especially after previous supposed UFO sightings Down Under.

Back in 2023, a large chunk of space debris was found washed ashore around 1,000km southwest of Newman. At the time, the Australian Space Agency said it was likely from an Indian launch vehicle.

An investigation into the object will now take place (WA Police)

However, space agencies dropping debris is not uncommon, according to Perth Observatory's Matt Woods.

He told 9 News: "It is on purpose that this bit of rocket body has landed back, but it could just be the way that it's been tumbling that this piece was able to survive."

Following the most recent incident, one person wrote on Facebook: "I am not saying it's aliens, but..."

Another added: "Might need to invest in a tin foil hat," while a third wrote: "There's so much space junk floating around you wouldn't know who's it is, this could have been floating in space for years before dropping to earth, this must have been big piece usually they burn up coming into the atmosphere."

An investigation into the object is now set to take place.