A mysterious metallic orb discovered in Colombia has captured the imagination of UFO enthusiasts and researchers alike, reigniting debate around the possibility of extraterrestrial life. First seen drifting erratically over the skies of Buga on March 2, the object was later recovered and is currently under examination by scientists in Mexico.

The spherical object, dubbed the "Buga Sphere", is around the size of a bowling ball and features intricate markings across its surface. Videos of the incident and subsequent analysis have circulated widely on social media, fuelling speculation about the object's origins.

Researcher Jose Luis Velazquez, who is leading the examination of the orb, claims that X-ray scans revealed three distinct layers of varying densities, with no visible welds or joints — characteristics that, according to him, challenge the notion that it is man-made. “No welds or joints,” Velazquez said in a viral video, adding to the intrigue surrounding the object.

However, despite the excitement, several scientists remain unconvinced by claims that the object is of alien origin.

‘Looks like a really cool art project’

Dr Julia Mossbridge, founder of The Institute for Love and Time (TILT) and a physics affiliate at the University of San Diego, expressed her scepticism in an interview with Fox News Digital. “It looks to me like a really cool art project,” she said, cautioning against hastily attributing alien origins to unexplained discoveries.

Mossbridge reflected on the broader significance of such phenomena, noting the limitations of human understanding. “We are entering a time when we don’t have the control that we thought we had,” she said, arguing that unexplained objects challenge our preconceived models of the world.

She suggested that if the Buga sphere is an art installation, it could symbolise this very theme — humanity confronting its lack of complete understanding of the skies and the oceans. “There’s something going on that’s essentially bigger than us,” she added.

Experts call for global cooperation and scientific rigour

Mossbridge highlighted that unexplained aerial sightings have been documented for decades and that multiple scientific groups — including the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies, the UAP Disclosure Fund and the Galileo Project — are now independently investigating these phenomena. She pointed out that such coalitions include individuals from across the political spectrum who are not relying solely on government transparency but are conducting their own research.

“They are all trying to get rigorous information themselves, not necessarily waiting on the federal government,” she said, stressing the importance of international collaboration, particularly since the sphere was found in Colombia. “What are the rules about how we deal with something that’s interesting that’s found there?”

Mossbridge urged those studying objects like the Buga sphere to present them to expert groups before declaring them anomalous or alien. “Before you decide something’s anomalous or a UFO, bring the object to a group like the Galileo Project,” she advised. “Experts can determine if the material is clearly non-human-made.”

Though she remains doubtful that the Buga sphere is extraterrestrial, Mossbridge was clear that it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of other alien artefacts. “It doesn’t discount all the other objects that are of extraterrestrial origin,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon, which has faced mounting pressure for transparency over unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), released a report in late 2024 stating there is no verified evidence of UFOs with alien origin. The Defence Department’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), set up in 2022, continues to investigate reports of UAPs, prioritising national security and aviation safety over theories of alien contact.