Did the Simpsons predict the Chinese 'spy balloon' would be shot down?

Just days after the USA shot down a Chinese 'spy balloon', The Simpsons fans are convinced that the animated show predicted it years ago.

The weather balloon, known as 'Buttzilla', was unveiled in season six, episode 14 of the long-running show, and sees Springfield trying to catch a comet headed for Earth.

However, the bit most likened to recent real-world events, includes Skinner asking the school children to throw rocks at the balloon, which results in the military mistaking it for an attack.

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