Piece of the space shuttle Challenger found by divers in the Atlantic Ocean off Florida

NASA has confirmed that a piece of the space shuttle Challenger has been found in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida, nearly 37 years after the shuttle exploded shortly after liftoff.

The discovery was made by a History Channel documentary crew who were searching for the wreckage of a World War II-era aircraft, according to a press release from NASA. Divers noticed what was described as a "large humanmade object," partially covered with sand. Because of the "proximity to the Florida Space Coast" and the item's "modern construction and presence of 8-inch square tiles," the documentary team alerted NASA to their discovery. 

No further details were given about the piece that was found, but NASA administrator Bill Nelson said the discovery gives people around the world "an opportunity to pause once again" and think about the lives lost in the tragedy.