This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 21, 2019). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Every scan they had run on the canister since they’d unearthed it had shown it to be hollow. It was only after they cracked the seal that they understood that hollow and empty were two very different things.