Sorry, but the mystery drones are pretty normal (probably)

Reports of mysterious drones above New Jersey surfaced on November 18th, sparking similar claims from residents across multiple states. The Department of Homeland Security, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense have received over 5,000 drone sighting reports in recent weeks. However, they mention that only about two percent of the events may require further investigation. Despite not being mentioned in their joint statement on December 16th, the sightings are unrelated to the conspiracy theory known as Project Blue Beam, which has resurfaced online.

A press release on Monday mentioned that expert analysis of technical data and citizen tips has attributed the majority of sightings to lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, as well as manned fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and stars mistaken for drones. Authorities have not identified anything anomalous and do not believe the events pose national or public safety risks.

The recent wave of unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles started last year when New Jersey residents reported drones flying over the state. Similar sightings have been reported almost every evening in New York, Ohio, and other states, leading to bipartisan calls for immediate investigation. Some politicians and governors have raised concerns about the drones possibly being a national security threat. New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew even suggested that the machines are controlled by an Iranian “mothership” off the East Coast, although this claim has been debunked.

Similar sightings in Netcong NJ pic.twitter.com/h78D4U4kj9

— Joanne Cuomo (@JoanneCuomo) December
16, 2024

Historically, similar mass hysteria aerial sightings have occurred, such as the UFO panic of the 1940s and ’50s. Instances like the Great Airship Wave of 1896-1897, where Americans reported seeing a massive dirigible in the sky, demonstrate a long-standing tradition of mass panic. The recent drone sightings may have a more mundane explanation, similar to events in Colorado in the winter of 2019-2020 attributed to various factors like Starlink satellite constellations and low-flying aircraft.

There is no evidence linking the holiday season drone sightings to nuclear cover-ups, staged alien invasions, or other nefarious activities. The public’s ongoing fears around drones may reflect a broader trend of mass panic influenced by misinformation spread online by unreliable sources and influencers.

Project Blue Beam, a conspiracy theory from 1994 claiming an international cabal plans a faked extraterrestrial invasion, has also been brought up in relation to the drone sightings. However, there is no evidence to support these claims. The sightings likely have a more rational explanation and do not pose any immediate threat to public safety.