# Drones over New Jersey **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 6, 2024, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243 "2024-12-06T04:05:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2024, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/21 "2024-12-07T18:54:10Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > It was at most 200 feet up and big As always, determining the size / distance of stuff in the sky is hard. All anyone ever has to go on is the object’s angular size, the clarity with which we see it, and its angle rate across the sky. I know you know this and I know you’re a skilled observer. That bit was more for everyone else’s benefit. Taking your \<200 feet estimate as a reliable number, and assuming it wasn’t directly overhead, how far away was it when you saw it? Does “big” mean buzzard sized? 10 foot wingspan? The size of a Cessna (or OH-6)? Bigger yet? Did the flight seem copter-like or fixed-wing like? Any sounds? ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/22 "2024-12-08T00:46:24Z")
> [@Measure\_for\_Measure](#): > > [NJ.com](http://NJ.com) quotes drone professor “Drone professor” is not a title that I’ve heard before. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/23 "2024-12-08T01:38:53Z")
The nightly NBC News today reported that the drones have also been spotted over California, flying over or near a meeting with SecDef Lloyd Austin. Austin had just announced anti-drone strategies. > **[New classified plan seeks to unify DOD’s approach for countering enemy drones](https://defensescoop.com/2024/12/05/classified-dod-counter-unmanned-systems-strategy-unify-approach-defeat-drones/)** > > The Pentagon has developed a new classified counter-drone strategy as uncrewed systems are disrupting operations on and off the battlefield. Weirdly, I can’t find any confirmation of the drones over him story, even on the [nbcnews.com](http://nbcnews.com) website. But searching finds multiple stories about mystery drones [going back months](https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/drones-military-pentagon-defense-331871f4). Headline is “Mystery Drones Swarmed a U.S. Military Base for 17 Days. The Pentagon Is Stumped.” Story is from Oct. 12, but behind paywall. Maybe somebody here has access. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/24 "2024-12-08T01:49:31Z")
I’m reading this thread like I’m doing research on what was happening before the aliens invaded. “Oh, everyone thought it was just drones!” 😁 ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/25 "2024-12-08T03:13:51Z")
Perhaps someone can explain to me why none of these drones have been photographed up close either by a telescope or more effectively by another civilian drone. I assume just shooting them down would provoke trouble from the FAA without a court order. Has anybody tried to track these things in a serious way? Officials recommend reporting errant drone sightings to the FBI, but I’m not convinced any laws are being broken. What does the state of NJ have to say? [Governor Murphy](https://x.com/GovMurphy/status/1864717982275965389): “We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement partners on this matter. There is no known threat to the public at this time.” What about the Department of Home Security? The Department of Home Security has no comment, according to the NYT. Frankly, I think New Jersey is filled with suspicious suburbanites and I’m relieved that someone is keeping tabs on them. At any rate there’s no reason to panic: carry on with your day. ---
**Author:** ![gkster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gkster/32/14107_2.png) [@gkster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gkster)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2024, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/26 "2024-12-08T03:34:44Z")
Gift link to an article in today’s NY Times: “People across the state have reported seeing scores of large, low-flying objects in recent weeks. Officials haven’t said where they’re coming from, or why they’re here.” [https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/nyregion/new-jersey-drones.html?unlocked\_article\_code=1.f04.VtWi.Q0Y8QFnLf32y&smid=url-share](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/07/nyregion/new-jersey-drones.html?unlocked_article_code=1.f04.VtWi.Q0Y8QFnLf32y&smid=url-share) ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/27 "2024-12-11T15:08:53Z")
NJSP to hold a closed briefing for elected ~~orifices~~ officials about this today > [@CBS News](#): > > CBS News New York has learned New Jersey State Police and the state’s Office of Homeland Security will hold a briefing on Wednesday to give more information to mayors and local elected officials. That briefing will be closed to the public and to reporters. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/28 "2024-12-11T15:34:05Z")
During the daily press briefing it was stated the president has been briefed on the drone issue. Lots of statements by various state legislators and congressmen asking for answers. No answers given at all. Crappy weather the last couple of nights so I haven’t seen any new video on social media. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/29 "2024-12-11T18:47:49Z")
> **[NJ congressman suggests drone reports linked to Iranian 'mothership' during...](https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2024/12/11/jeff-van-drew-suggets-nj-drone-sightings-linked-to-iran-mothership/76922445007/)** > > A NJ congressman suggested that the alleged drone sightings that have blanketed the state in recent weeks are a result of an Iranian "mothership." Coming from one of the least trustworthy members of congress. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/30 "2024-12-11T19:30:00Z")
Yeah, I would put the probability of an undisturbed Iranian ship hanging out off the East Coast and launching anything over US airspace would be about zero. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/31 "2024-12-11T22:04:18Z")
On the very first night perhaps non-zero. But a week later? No friggin’ way. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/32 "2024-12-11T22:08:48Z")
Wait a minute!!! … Wasn’t Orson Welles famous radio broadcast _War of the Worlds_ set in New Jersey? Oh shiiit … we are soooo screwed. They’re really here. Finally. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/33 "2024-12-11T22:21:24Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Wait a minute!!! … > > Wasn’t Orson Welles famous radio broadcast _War of the Worlds_ set in New Jersey? > > Oh shiiit … we are soooo screwed. They’re really here. Finally. > > 😉 About 20 miles from where I am right now. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/34 "2024-12-11T22:53:46Z")
I’ve heard there’s a lot to be said for being right at Ground Zero when the shit _really_ hits the fan. Lucky you. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/35 "2024-12-11T23:09:37Z")
Has anyone asked Yoyodyne Propulsion Systems if they know anything about this? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2024, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/36 "2024-12-11T23:35:44Z")
Good idea. Any sudden surge in men named John would be a very bad sign. ---
**Author:** ![notfrommensa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/f14d63/32.png) [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/37 "2024-12-12T00:04:37Z")
I am hearing these drones are as big as SUVs Doesn’t the USAF have anything (like multiple helicopters) that can capture these drones in a net so they don’t crash into a house or people? ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/38 "2024-12-12T00:14:18Z")
_Drones Over New Jersey_ sounds like an early Springsteen album. ---
**Author:** ![Northern\_Piper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/northern_piper/32/5304_2.png) [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/39 "2024-12-12T05:25:30Z")
BBC says that the US military and the FBI are investigating but don’t know the source of the drones. They have denied a rumour that the drones are coming from an Iranian mothership off the coast. > **[Pentagon says mystery drones over US not from Iranian 'mothership'](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crrwz91wqd9o)** > > Dozens of drone sightings have been reported over New Jersey, so far leaving the FBI baffled. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2024, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243/40 "2024-12-12T05:35:45Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’ve heard there’s a lot to be said for being right at Ground Zero when the shit _really_ hits the fan. > > Lucky you. That would actually be me and @LH75 nestled up close to the Strategic Air Command in Nebraska. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drones-over-new-jersey/1011243.md?page=3)