What We Know About Three Mystery Objects The U.S. Shot Down—And What We Don’t

A total of four high-flying, balloon-like objects have been shot down by US fighter jets this month. Officials have still not said where three of them came from.

The United States claims the first one was a Chinese surveillance balloon, which China denies. But American officials have made no definitive statement as to what the other three could be, nor has anyone come forward to claim ownership.

NPR correspondents Scott Detrow and Greg Myre share what they’ve learned about the mysterious flying objects.

And Timothy Heath, a senior researcher at the Rand Corporation, talks about the various ways governments use high-altitude balloons.

In participating regions, you’ll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what’s going on in your community.

Email us at [email protected].