The Mystery of the Big Drones in New Jersey
New Jersey has become the talk of the town lately, and it’s not because of the latest scoop on pizza or the beautiful beaches. Instead, residents are buzzing about unidentified flying objects — namely, big drones that are soaring through the night sky! These aren’t your typical camera-happy hobbyist drones; we’re talking about machines the size of small cars!
The Droning Dilemma
Residents across Morris and Somerset counties are reporting sightings of these massive flying devices, sometimes seen darting through the air in clusters. “Just the other night, I saw flashing lights changing direction, zigzagging like a race car!” one New Jersey resident exclaimed. Sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, doesn’t it? However, amidst the excitement, confusion reigns, as neither law enforcement nor the FBI can confirm what residents are really seeing above their rooftops.
The FBI’s Newark field office has acknowledged receiving numerous reports from the public over the past few weeks. With the U.S. Coast Guard also getting involved in spotting these flying gizmos, it’s clear that the situation is no ordinary matter. But here’s the twist — some officials suggest that what people are seeing might actually be manned aircraft on their typical flight paths, not drones at all! This was echoed by none other than the White House, which stated there’s no current evidence that these sightings pose a threat.
The Experts Weigh In
Experts from across the unmanned aircraft field are weighing in as well. Ryan Wallace, an associate professor of aeronautical engineering, points out the versatile applications of big drones, noting that, “There’s almost limitless uses for these devices.” From agriculture to military applications, these large drones can sprout wings for a variety of tasks — many of which we may only be starting to realize.
Pramod Abichandani from the New Jersey Institute of Technology explains that the wings of these drones are surprisingly lightweight, leading to the possibility of building much larger models for various professions, albeit with a hefty price tag! “Big drones can cost tens of thousands of dollars,” he revealed, admitting that most hobbyists might shy away from acquiring such expensive gadgets.
From Hobbyists to Homeland Security
While some individuals indulge their love for flying in the form of smaller drones used for aerial photography, big drones typically cater to commercial and military needs. They can tackle jobs like surveying and mapping, and have even played a role in law enforcement operations for search and rescue missions. And believe it or not, some large drones have been authorized to deliver packages — yes, the future is truly here!
Could it be that amidst all this mystery, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in drone technology? Experts suggest that in the not-so-distant future, we might even see large passenger drones zipping through the skies! But before we get ahead of ourselves, it is essential to stress that any large drone operation must receive special permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Next Steps for Residents and Officials
As light pollution drags on and concerns intensify, residents are left with a sense of frustration over the lack of clear information regarding these nighttime visitors. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called upon federal authorities to clarify the situation, expressing his concern over the community’s unease. As of now, the investigations by both local and federal agencies continue, with authorities keeping a close eye on anything that moves beneath the starry skies.
Whether you view these sightings as potential threats or simple misidentified aircraft remains a matter of personal perspective. The airspace above New Jersey has certainly become an intriguing subject, opening the door for even more questions down the line. Whatever the case may be, the next time you gaze up at the night sky, keep an eye out — who knows what you might see!
