The China spy balloon spotted over Montana in the United States has been traced back to its original point of origin by a veteran meteorologist.
Dan Satterfield, who has 42 years experience in meteorology, physics and earth science, says he used a well-known computer trajectory model to assess the flight path the object had taken.
“I did a quick run of the NOAA HYSPLIT model to trace back the path,” Satterfield said.
“Using 14,000 meters over Montana yesterday, I get the following – yup Central China!”
Satterfield then showed a map showing the balloon travelling from central China to Montana.
Earlier, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder had told NBC news that the balloon was indeed Chinese and being used for surveillance.
“The United States government has detected and is tracking a high-altitude surveillance balloon that is over the continental United States right now,” Ryder said.
“We continue to track and monitor it closely.
“Once the balloon was detected, the U.S. government acted immediately to protect against the collection of sensitive information.”
The incident comes days before the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken was set to travel to China.
It’s been reported that US military officials discussed shooting down the spy balloon, but decided against it because of the risk from debris.
Montana is home to Malmstrom Air Force Base, which houses one of the United States’ three nuclear missile silo fields.
BREAKING NEWS ALERT: Canada confirms it’s investigating a SECOND potential spy balloon incident. READ MORE HERE.