Burn Notice

This morning while driving to work I was panicking over what I can only describe as a loud banging noise every time I came to a stop. Now, since I drive around 45 min. back and forth on the PA turnpike/202 every day I tend to worry non-stop about the working condition of my car.
The sound seemed to be coming from underneath my hood, like an animal was trapped and was trying to pound it's way out.

John suggested I go to a service station to see if they could take a look. The mechanic actually laughed in my face when I explained (with hand gestures) what I thought was happening. After about two seconds of looking underneath he removes with pliers this long, metal shaped dome.

Apparently it's called a heat shield and is used to protect mechanics from burning themselves when working under cars. It came loose and was dragging itself near my front tire (I didn't say I was skilled in pinpointing the sounds). He said I have to remember to warn the next person who takes a look under there about the missing part so that it doesn't burn them badly, but thank heavens I can drive in peace for ahwile.