A mysterious object identified as melted clay

Summary

In 1962, an object was recovered in Snohomish, Washington, initially thought to be related to the decay of Sputnik IV. The object was light gray and light in weight, found on the ground. After a detailed evaluation by the Aeronautical Systems Division, it was concluded that it was not a space debris. Chemical and physical analyses revealed it to be bentonite clay modified by intense heat.

The investigation determined that the object could have formed from a lightning strike or an electrical arc caused by a broken high-tension wire. Rapid cooling caused the melted clay to fracture but remain attached to the core. Additionally, river-worn pebbles were found on the surface, indicating the object formed in a stream bed. The final conclusion was clear: there was no evidence the object was of extraterrestrial or space origin.