Giant Hobby Balloon Leaves U.S. Airspace, Not A Threat

A high altitude balloon floats over Billings, Mont., on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Perhaps no other term than spy balloon this year defined the growing wariness between the world's two largest ec

A giant balloon that federal officials were tracking across the Southwest has now left U.S. airspace. Officials have confirmed that the balloon was likely a hobby balloon and posed no threat to national security.

The balloon was reported to be 50 feet tall and was carrying a two-foot cube. Initially, NORAD dispatched fighter jets to investigate the balloon before opting to monitor it using radar technology.

Comparatively, this balloon was smaller in size than the Chinese spy balloon that was shot down last year, indicating that it was not a cause for major concern.

While the exact origin and purpose of the balloon remain unknown, authorities have assured the public that there is no reason to be alarmed. The incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance and readiness of federal agencies to respond to potential airspace threats.