Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
An approximately 11-foot-diameter metallic object was found in a cornfield in Scott Township, Stevens County, Minnesota, on October 14, 2026. The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office called it “presumably a space object,” while state and federal agencies investigate what it is, who owns it and how it will be removed. Authorities said there was no danger to the public.
What was found in Stevens County
The discovery was reported to the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office at about 3:30 p.m. Deputies went to the cornfield and confirmed a large metallic object measuring approximately 11 feet in diameter. That measurement is attributed to the sheriff’s office and is the only specific size reported by authorities in the available coverage.
The object was located in Scott Township, a rural area of Stevens County. The reports do not identify a manufacturer, serial number, spacecraft, launch vehicle or owner.
What officials mean by “presumably a space object”
“Presumably a space object” is a preliminary description, not an identification. It indicates that the material or appearance led investigators to consider an origin connected with space hardware, but it does not establish that the object completed an orbital re-entry or belonged to a particular mission.
#1 Best Overall
- Precise & Stable Target Detection: Powered by an upgraded large search coil and advanced DSP chip, this metal detector delivers 40% higher detection accuracy with outstanding stability. The expanded coil covers more ground for faster scanning, and it will not lose targets even during fast sweeping. It accurately locates quarter‑sized metal items buried as deep as 12 inches underground, offering trustworthy performance for serious treasure‑hunting hobbyists.
- Multi‑Scene Custom Search Modes: 5 practical search modes meet diverse prospecting demands. All‑Metal Mode conducts full‑range detection; Disc Mode filters unwanted junk metals; Memory Mode locks signals of specific metals; Jewelry Mode targets high‑purity gold & silver, low‑purity alloys may get weak signals; Pinpoint Mode enables fast, precise positioning. Freely switch modes to cut ineffective searching and greatly boost your overall working efficiency.
- User‑Friendly Build for Quick Setup: Thanks to the upgraded collapsible cam‑lock and screw‑free search head, assembly finishes in seconds. It features a 2X larger backlit screen for clear readouts, soft silicone buttons and padded elbow support for comfortable fatigue‑free one‑hand operation. Built‑in power‑on memory saves your custom settings, so you won’t need to re‑adjust parameters every time you start the machine.
- All‑In‑One Outdoor Prospecting Package: This complete treasure‑hunting bundle includes all outdoor essentials. You get 2 ready‑to‑use batteries, a large‑capacity backpack for easy transport, volume‑adjustable over‑ear headphones for clear signal reception, a tough manganese‑steel digger for labor‑saving excavation, plus a detailed user manual to guide beginners through every operation step.
- IP68 Submersible Coil & Flexible Fit: The search coil reaches IP68 waterproof rating for treasure hunting on beaches, shallow water and in various weather conditions. Note: The control console is NOT waterproof. With 5‑level sensitivity and a telescopic stem adjustable from 21‑53 inches, it fits adults and kids of different heights perfectly. Grab it and share joyful outdoor adventure time with your whole family.
No official finding has identified the item as a rocket stage, satellite component, UFO, meteorite or any other specific category. Those are possibilities being discussed in the absence of an examination result, not confirmed explanations.
Which agencies are involved
The Minnesota Duty Officer was notified after the discovery, and federal agencies responded. Officials were working to identify the debris’s owner and arrange its removal. The available reports do not say which federal agency has taken custody, whether the object has been secured, or when a removal operation will occur.
Rank #2
- All-Terrain Treasure Detection: Hunt for coins, gold, and relics anywhere—beach, backyard, or forest—with this waterproof metal detector for adults and kids. Rugged design handles rocky, muddy, or wet conditions with ease and precision.
- 3 Smart Detection Modes: Easily switch between all-metal, tone, and discrimination modes to filter trash and detect silver coins, jewelry, and hidden relics. Ideal for gold hunting, treasure kits, and serious metal detecting fun.
- Easy to Use for All Ages: With intuitive analog controls and adjustable sensitivity, this lightweight metal detector is perfect for beginners and pros. Battery powered and portable—great for parks, gardens, or adventure kits.
- Waterproof 8-Inch Search Coil: Explore shallow water, damp soil, and sandy terrain confidently with the 8” waterproof coil. A must-have for beach treasure hunting, underwater finds, or pairing with a pinpointer and gold panning gear.
- The Ultimate Treasure Hunter Gift: Give the gift of adventure! This beginner-friendly metal detector makes a top present for hobbyists of all ages. Pairs perfectly with detecting bags, headphones, or stud finders for a complete search kit.
Is the debris dangerous?
Authorities said there was no danger to the public. That is the current public-safety assessment; it is not a statement that the object’s composition or origin has been determined.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThere is also no reported injury, property damage, completed hazard analysis or laboratory result in the available coverage. Until agencies examine the object, people should not approach, touch or move unfamiliar debris. Any local access restrictions or handling instructions would come from responding authorities.
Rank #3
- PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE: Stand out from the crowd and step-up your detecting game with the X-TERRA PRO treasure detector. Out of the box, simply set your detector to match your terrain with Park, Field and Beach Search Modes to start unearthing the treasure you seek. Fully IP68 waterproof to 16 ft and loaded with features like 5-audio modes, control pod flashlight, and handgrip vibration you’ll be detecting like a pro from the moment you start swinging.
- EASY TO USE: The intuitive user interface and large LCD display make the detector easy to use for both beginners and experienced hunters. With Control Pod Flashlight, Red Backlight Display, Backlit Keypad, and Handgrip Vibration you can power on long after the sun has gone. Start using the X-TERRA PRO right away or adjust its settings with ease.
- SMART TECHNOLOGY: Driven by the enhanced PRO-SWITCH engine, X-TERRA PRO by Minelab gives you the power to switch frequencies. Detect targets deep anywhere, in any conditions — there’s deep and then there’s Minelab deep.
- PRECISE DETECTION: Choose between 2 x Park, 2 x Field and 2 x Beach pre-programmed Search Modes. No terrain is off limits. Identify targets with precision using 30 discrimination segments for greater control over what you detect and what you ignore. For accuracy, switch to pinpoint mode to zero in on targets and dig smaller holes with extreme precision.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE DESIGN: Comprising lightweight 3-piece shafts, X-TERRA PRO weighs only 2.9 lb and packs down to a mere 25 inches. Throw it in your backpack and you’re all set to start hunting!
Did space junk fall there?
It is too early to answer definitively. A piece of space hardware could be one explanation, but the reports contain no radar track, orbital-decay calculation, launch timeline or re-entry confirmation tying this object to a known mission.
Other manufactured debris could also be considered until investigators document the physical evidence. A conclusion would require more than the object’s size or metallic appearance.
Rank #4
- DIGITAL TARGET ID: Numeric scale (0–99) helps identify metal conductivity for precise target detection.
- IRON RESOLUTION: Improved discrimination allows better separation of valuable targets from iron trash.
- ELECTRONIC PINPOINTING: Non-motion All-Metal Mode helps accurately locate detected targets.
- ADJUSTABLE FREQUENCY: Minimize interference in crowded areas for a smoother detecting experience.
- SEARCHCOIL COVER INCLUDED: Protective cover shields the searchcoil from scratches, rocks, and debris to extend coil life and maintain reliable detection performance.
What evidence could identify it
Investigators can compare several kinds of evidence before assigning an origin:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Physical evidence: shape, alloys, insulation, markings, serial numbers, welds and any heat or impact damage.
- Trajectory evidence: radar observations, orbital-decay modeling and the timing of launches or predicted re-entries.
- Chain of custody: which agency secured, examined and removed the object, and whether samples were documented.
- Attribution: a spacecraft operator, launch provider or government agency claiming ownership and matching the hardware.
- Public-safety findings: tests for remaining propellant, toxic materials, pressure hazards or other reasons to establish an exclusion zone.
Until those lines of evidence converge, “space object” should be treated as a working description rather than a final answer.
Best Value
- Top Metal Detector: PANCKY adult metal detector has 5 different modes. All METAL MODE, DISC MODE, MEMORY MODE, JEWELRY MODE, PINPOINTER. Do not use the JEWELRY MODE to detect precious metals. It will exclude any similar to iron, including gold and silver
- Upgraded DSP Chip: The second-generation DSP chip metal detector developed by PANCKY providing higher 25% detection speed, sensitivity, and accuracy than other detectors on the market. Focus on valuable targets while ignoring unwanted items, avoid trash
- Intuitive Large LCD Display with Backlight: User-friendly interface designed specifically for beginners. Display can be viewed from multiple angles. The backlight function makes it easy to read for treasure in low light or night conditions, even at night
- Detect More Effectively: Silicone buttons for easy operation, provides satisfying tactile feedback and greater sensitivity. It's convenient for you to get the type of metal target, depth, ecognition, sensitivity level, operation mode by LCD display
- IP68 Waterproof: The IP68 waterproof search coil allows metal detecting enthusiasts to find treasure even in shallow water. Please use the lowest sensitivity to minimize interference when used in seawater. Note: The control box is NOT waterproof
Who owns it and when will it be removed?
Ownership had not been established in the reported updates. Authorities were still trying to determine the owner and plan removal, and no completion date was announced. There is likewise no published report of a final government determination, laboratory examination or confirmed link to a launch.
What remains unknown
- The object’s manufacturer and exact function.
- Whether it came from orbit, another aircraft or vehicle, or a terrestrial source.
- Whether it is part of a rocket, satellite or another manufactured system.
- Its owner and any associated launch or re-entry event.
- Whether officials have completed removal and technical examination.
What readers can reliably conclude now
A large metallic object is on record in a Stevens County cornfield, and officials are treating a possible space connection as an investigation lead. The only confirmed public characterization is the sheriff’s office’s preliminary phrase “presumably a space object.” State and federal notification is underway, the public has been told there is no danger, and the object’s identity and ownership remain unresolved.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
