Modern Mysteries

Military fighter jets intercept mystery balloon high over United States

By T.K. Randall
February 24, 2024 ·  34 comments

Jets were scrambled to intercept the balloon. Image Credit: US Air Force / Darin Russell According to reports, the balloon, which is floating at an altitude of between 43,000 and 45,000 feet, was detected yesterday by NORAD - the organization responsible for US and Canadian air defense.

The object proved sufficiently concerning to warrant interception by US military jets, but upon closer inspection it was determined that it did not pose a threat.

"The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security," NORAD said in a statement.

"NORAD will continue to track and monitor the balloon.""The FAA also determined the balloon posed no hazard to flight safety."

As things stand, nobody knows where the balloon originated or what its purpose might be.

Observations indicate that there is a small cube-shaped box hanging underneath it - perhaps some sort of science experiment or surveillance system.

The incident echoes the events of early last year when a Chinese spy balloon brimming with spy equipment was intercepted and shot down off the coast of South Carolina.

Whether or not this latest balloon was sent by a foreign power, however, still remains unclear.


Source: CBS News | Comments (34)

Tags: Balloon