SUV-sized drones have once again appeared in the skies above New Jersey and New York after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily reduced sightings by enforcing flight restrictions.
Enigma Labs has closely monitored the resurgence, offering a unique platform to track these unmanned aerial phenomena, according to the New York Post.
Sightings first surged in late November, initially sparking fear and confusion among residents. In response, Enigma Labs created a comprehensive mapping system to log and analyze these occurrences. The FAA's flight restrictions had temporarily caused a significant drop in reports.
However, following the lifting of these FAA restrictions on January 17, locals have reported a sharp increase in drone sightings. Christine Kim, a spokesperson for Enigma Labs, confirmed the uptick, stating, "We've received over 100 reports in the past three weeks that mention drones across the US."
In response to the growing curiosity and concern, Enigma Labs developed an app and an interactive map that cataloged "unidentified anomalous phenomena." This technology not only aids civilians and researchers in tracking these drones but also collects data from reports submitted via their newly established hotline, 1-833-SAW-A-UFO.
The interactive map introduced by Enigma Labs has become a crucial tool for both the public and investigators, particularly in the densely populated tri-state area. As Kim explains, "We created our live active drone map in December to help the public and investigators track drone sightings in the tri-state."
Since its inception, the Enigma Labs platform has amassed 650 reports of drone sightings nationwide, with 154 of these coming in January alone, including notable reports from Hoboken and Stockton, N.J.
"New Jersey remains a hotbed of drone activity," asserted Kim. This statement holds true with the data collected, showcasing an alarming number of sightings concentrated in this particular region.
Observers described more than half of these drones as hovering or staying airborne for extended periods. On December 18, concerns rose significantly after the FAA's temporary restrictions caused sightings to drop by 43%.
Kim highlighted a recent surge in reports last week, including a peculiar sighting on January 14 of a floating, color-shifting object over Hoboken. This incident is one of 28 recent unusual sightings reported in the area, illustrating the unpredictable and ongoing nature of this phenomenon.
The Enigma Labs app, initially available only on iOS devices, is expanding its reach. The team plans to make the app accessible to Android users through the Google Play Store next month, allowing more people to participate in reporting and monitoring drone activities.
As technology evolves and drones become more sophisticated, the community and Enigma Labs continue to observe and report on these mysterious sightings, hoping to uncover the reasons behind them.
As the situation unfolds, observers maintain a delicate balance between curiosity and concern. Each new sighting reported through the Enigma Labs platform potentially adds a piece to the puzzle, enhancing our broader understanding of these mysterious occurrences in the skies over the Northeast.
