The appearance of a glowing, pulsing squid-like creature in Bristol harbour this week whipped up a frenzy of excitement.
Baffled marine experts were consulted, a local MP tweeted pictures of it and the internet quivered with excitement at the prospect of finally coming face-to-face with our water-dwelling alien overlords.
Among the theories on Twitter - where impressions around the subject exceeded 3.5 million in just 24 hours - our favourite speculated: "It's like Cocoon all over again - but in the West Country".
Sadly there is no glowing alien squid patrolling the waterways of Bristol. There will be no intergalactic introductions.
For the "creature" was a stunt by TV channel Watch, designed to promote upcoming show The Happenings.
To view the video, click here.