A metal sphere that washed up on a beach in Japan, perplexing locals and setting off widespread speculation, has been removed, according to local media.
Pictures showed a heavy lifting machine picking up the huge sphere.
Local officials in Hamamatsu said that it will be stored “for a certain period of time” then “disposed of”.
But many have also questioned why Japanese officials have not come out and clearly said what it is.
Interest in the object – dubbed “Godzilla egg”, “mooring buoy” and “from outer space” – started earlier this week after a local alerted police upon noticing the unusual object on the shore.
Police, and even a bomb squad, were sent to check out the object.
Authorities cordoned off the area and conducted X-ray exams which did not reveal much more – other than confirming the object was safe.
Now it has been removed.
“I think everyone in Hamamatsu City was worried and curious about what it was about, but I’m relieved that the work is over,” a local official told Japanese media.
Many also questioned on social media why Japanese officials have not explained what it is. Others have voiced embarrassment at the whole episode. (BBC)