OVNI. Australia

The federal government's air navigation services provider Airservices Australia confirmed the object captured on hundreds of mobile phones and cameras across southern Tasmania early on Tuesday morning was nothing more than an aircraft "as it passed over Australian airspace". But that assertion did not stop members of the public drawing their own conclusions and disparaging naysayers for their lack of faith. Striking footage of the object filmed by Sorell resident Lee-Anne Peters caused a frenzy as Facebook users speculated on what it could be, with the International Space Station, meteorites, plane contrails, fairies and, of course, spacecraft from another galaxy among the mix of possibilities. "It was very slow moving, not like the high jets I've seen before. I got out the binoculars and thought it must be a meteorite," Ms Peters said. "I was sure it was something burning up from space … but now, I am sure it was just a plane with the sunrise highlighting its contrails," she said. Despite Ms Peter's verdict, many Facebook users were quick to disagree — with some rejoicing in what the close encounter might mean. "No longer will the population outcast you for believing in aliens," one Facebook user posted.