this post was submitted on 01 May 2025
81 points (98.8% liked)

What is this thing?

6880 readers
37 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Thought it might be a battery pack at first so I wasn’t going to touch it but it appears to be plastic.

Possibly broken at the top? Unsure.

all 15 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] [email protected] 66 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (2 children)

Looks like a PJ996 lantern battery whose top cover broke off. It's probably carbon-zinc, in which case you can recover a decently big graphite rod from each cell.

[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I'd warn against opening the cells if you don't know how old it is. Modern ones are safe, older ones might contain heavy metals.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 month ago
[–] _cryptagion 21 points 1 month ago (2 children)

IDK, but you probably made the right choice by taking it home and bringing it inside your house. No chance it could be anything dangerous or toxic.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Ok, good. I was worried there for a second. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Irony level "expert" 😂

[–] [email protected] 16 points 1 month ago

Looks like a 6V alkaline battery, without the top. Here’s someone opening one:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zoTeMEXZfXs

[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 month ago

Remains of what I know as a "camping battery". Six Volts, and loads of energy.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 month ago

Someone was doing their part to keep the eels going

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Remains of the battery from a lantern/marking buoy. Might contain heavy elements.

These used to be single use and dropped in the ocean upon replacement. More efficient light bulbs have replaced many with solar cells and wave generators, and better environmental awareness has stopped dumping these in the sea and they're instead recycled. At least here in Norway.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

"Shit, this plastic vessel full of poison ran out... should we take it to shore and dispose of it properly?"

"Heavens no, just throw it directly in the ocean! Out of sight out of mind!"