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© Bureau of Meteorology via ABC NewsThis radar image shows the “Rottnest Monster,” which was later determined to be the work of a military exercise.
A strange, snake-like image appeared on weather radar in the ocean off the coast of Australia near Rottnest Island Wednesday, baffling meteorologists. Theories as to what could cause such a phenomenon swirled. But now the government is coming forward with an explanation.

Neil Bennett with Australia's Bureau of Meteorology told ABC News he ruled out the S shape being caused by a cloud or rain echo.

"They don't take on S shapes and things like that," he said.

With meteorological causes debunked, some went as far to speculate that it could be a giant sea creature, dubbing it the "Rottnest Monster" or "Rottness Monster," a play off of the Loch Ness monster.

RT @weather_wa: Another #Perth Sighting Of The #RottNessMonster This Arvo: http://t.co/oKnlbf80vXFebruary 12, 2014 10:22am via Tweetbot for iOS ReplyRetweet Favorite@TheWAWGThe WA Weather Group

Our very own Sea Serpent; take that Nessie!!! #RottnessMonster#Rottnesthttp://t.co/2B5ARPfTRGFebruary 12, 2014 2:48am via web ReplyRetweetFavorite@CatholicBeauty_Emily.

#Rottnessmonster - Australia's Loch Ness!February 12, 2014 3:37am via Twitter for Android ReplyRetweetFavorite@floodxlandfloodland

So what is it?

Thursday a defense spokesman answered inquiries, saying the shape was caused by a training exercise that involved ships and aircraft, The Guardian reported.

The exercise was "designed to prepare a navy warship for an operations deployment," the spokesman said, adding that "environmental conditions over the West Australian coast at the time of the activity provided a unique opportunity for this routine activity to be visible on the weather radar display."

Some are saddened - albeit jokingly - that it wasn't a sea monster.

Our hearts are heavy.#TheRottNessMonsterRT @TheWAWG RIP #nessyFebruary 13, 2014 5:59am via Tweetbot for MacReplyRetweetFavorite@TheWAWGThe WA Weather Group

The term #RottNessMonster was coined by a funny guy named James.He has been dealt with and will no longer be a problem.February 13, 2014 6:01am via Tweetbot for MacReplyRetweetFavorite@TheWAWGThe WA Weather Group

Before the military officially came forward to note its involvement, some on Twitter pointed out that flight radar showed a Learjet flying over the area around the time the strange formation was spotted.

#RottNessMonsterRT @clif056: @baxlex @TheWAWG There is a learjet from Bullsbrook out there right now on flight radar http://t.co/RU6ymAM3RnFebruary 13, 2014 12:05am via Tweetbot for MacReplyRetweetFavorite@TheWAWGThe WA Weather Group

According to ABC News, the defense spokesman said the activity is ongoing.