This alien like probe is in fact a light that runs on soil.  The same stuff you put your feet on everyday (unless your in NYC or don’t leave your apartment) contains ‘energy conducive metals like zinc, copper and iron, and microbial fuel cells [that] are capable of converting electrolytes in soil into usable energy’.  Inside the device are conductive copper and zinc plates that draw energy from the soil and in theory can eternally power an LED light.  To add more power, or at least replenish the soil’s powers, just add a dash of water.

[Inhabitat]