Meteorologists are tracking an unlikely fixture in the sky this weekend: a balloon from China that is the latest subject of national security concerns in the United States.
The balloon, which is reportedly being used for research purposes, accidentally went off course and is now floating over U.S. airspace, according to China's Foreign Affairs Ministry. But it's causing havoc in the realm of U.S. national security: The Defense Department claims the balloon is actually being used for surveillance — and this conflicting view even led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to postpone a trip to Beijing. The balloon's presence comes at a time of increased tension between China and the U.S. over national security.
The balloon, which U.S. officials began tracking east from Montana, is now somewhere over the continental United States. And while officials are saying the balloon poses zero threat to civilians, it is garnering attention as meteorologists and amateur observers track its route.
Meteorologists, storm chasers and fans of strange phenomena have all shared photos and videos of the balloon online. The hashtags #ChineseSpyBalloon and #ChinaBalloon have also gained traction on Twitter.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created a graphic showing the balloon's course, while one meteorologist in Raleigh, N.C., shared an illustration showing that the balloon is projected to fly over North Carolina by Saturday.
Chinese Balloon now spotted over Missouri this afternoon. On current trajectory and looking at the upper level winds, the balloon should make its way across North Carolina tomorrow.@WRALWeather pic.twitter.com/D3z1nF4M02
— Mike Maze (@mazewx66) February 3, 2023
The National Weather Service's regional headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., said the balloon could be seen from its office in Pleasant Hill on Friday afternoon.
"We have confirmed that it is not an NWS weather balloon," it tweeted.
We have had several reports across northwest MO of a large balloon visible on the horizon. It is now visible from our office in Pleasant Hill and the KC Metro. We have confirmed that it is not an NWS weather balloon. pic.twitter.com/CKQWOw7God
— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) February 3, 2023
A meteorologist in Salisbury, Md., shared a forecast from NOAA showing the balloon's projected route over the next 72 hours. The scientist, Dan Satterfield, said the route could change.
"IF it can be raised and lowered, the track might vary quite a bit," Satterfield tweeted. "It would have to be lowered into the commercial air lanes though to change it a lot."
As U.S. and Chinese officials continue to disagree over the balloon's purpose and the plans to deal with it, it's clear that, meanwhile, many people will be dutifully watching the balloon's progress.
