Staff Reports
In recent weeks, mysterious drone sightings have sparked a whirlwind of curiosity and concern in the skies over New Jersey. The intriguing situation has caught the attention of various government agencies and even President Biden, who has emphasized that the military is well aware of what is happening. With lawmakers gearing up for a briefing on this buzzing topic, it seems the drones have had more than a few folks buzzing.
The recent drone sightings are no small matter. Authorities have reported a staggering 5,000 drone sightings, but it turns out that only about 100 of those claims are deemed credible enough to warrant serious investigation. It’s almost as if the skies are filled with UFOs—Unidentified Flying Objects—or the latest craze in drone technology. However, expert assessments made by a coalition of federal agencies show that most of the activity is entirely lawful, involving commercial drones, hobbyist flyers, and even law enforcement.
According to a joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Aviation Administration, they have found most, if not all, of the reported drone activity over New Jersey can be attributed to legal aviation practices. More than a million registered drones are flying in the U.S., and they note that it’s common to see thousands in the sky at any given time. Perhaps there aren’t aliens hovering over New Jersey after all, just a lot of eager drone enthusiasts enjoying their new toys.
Interestingly, the FAA recently adjusted regulations to permit nighttime drone flights. This could explain why people are spotting more drones than in the past. So, in the early evening hours, as individuals gaze up at the sky, they might see an array of blinking lights that they mistake for something out of a sci-fi movie instead of a clever drone operator capturing stunning aerial footage.
There have even been reports of dramatic incidents, such as airspace closures at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio due to presumed drone activity. In one case, a Coast Guard cutter reportedly saw dozens of drones swirling around it. However, investigators soon concluded that those weren’t drones at all but rather normal air traffic bound for JFK International Airport. It’s a humorous reminder that sometimes what we see and believe isn’t always what’s actually in the sky.
As the briefing unfolds, anticipation is palpable. Will lawmakers dive into the depths of these drone sightings, or will they find that it’s much ado about nothing? While some might be worried about potential threats from above, it seems that for now, drones are part of the new normal, leaving many to wonder about the fine line between thrilling technology and security concerns. One thing is for sure: the skies over New Jersey might just be a little more entertaining these days, even if it’s just the work of new-age drone enthusiasts.
