In recent weeks, New Jersey has become the center of a growing mystery involving unidentified drones spotted hovering over various areas of the state. Since mid-November 2024, residents have reported seeing drones flying in grid-like patterns, primarily during the night. These sightings have sparked widespread speculation about the drones' origins and purpose, especially as their appearance has been inconsistent and difficult to explain.
The drones have been observed across New Jersey, from urban areas along the Jersey Shore to more rural regions in Sussex and Bergen counties. Sightings were so frequent that local officials reported up to 180 incidents per night, with some observers claiming there may be hundreds or even thousands of individual sightings. However, the drones' activity is not confined to New Jersey alone. Similar sightings have also been reported in New York, Maryland, and Florida, raising broader concerns about the reach and coordination of these mysterious flights.
One of the most notable aspects of the drone sightings is their behavior. The drones have been seen flying in grid-like patterns, typically at night, with multiple blinking lights that make it difficult for observers to discern their exact nature. This grid formation, along with their quiet buzzing sound, has led to various theories about the drones' purpose. Some speculate that they may be part of a coordinated survey or surveillance operation, while others worry that they could be testing the state's response capabilities.
The mystery surrounding the drones intensified after Belleville Mayor Michael Melham suggested that the drones might be searching for something specific: radioactive material. Melham’s comments stem from a recent report by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which revealed that a shipment of Ge-68 radioactive material went missing in transit on December 2, 2024. The material, sent by the Nazha Cancer Center in New Jersey for disposal, was found to be missing after the shipping container arrived damaged and empty.
Ge-68, which is used for medical purposes, is considered a low-risk radioactive source. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has categorized the material as "Less than IAEA Category 3," meaning it is unlikely to cause permanent injury but could potentially harm individuals if mishandled or exposed to the unshielded material over a prolonged period. The fact that the material went missing in transit has raised alarms about its potential misuse if it falls into the wrong hands.
Mayor Melham pointed out that the drones, which have been seen flying in grid patterns over various parts of the state, might be searching for this lost material. Although no direct evidence links the drones to the missing radioactive source, the timing of the drone sightings in relation to the disappearance of the material has prompted speculation that the two events could be connected.
Melham also suggested that the drones’ operators are likely not foreign adversaries, as they would presumably have the technological capability to disable the drones' lights, something that the unidentified operators have failed to do. His remarks underscore the growing concerns about the transparency of the investigation and the potential national security implications of these events.
The missing material, a Ge-68 pin source (Eckert & Ziegler model HEGL-0132), was shipped for disposal after the Nazha Cancer Center used it in medical applications. The radioactive source is relatively small, with an approximate activity of 0.267 mCi, and it is classified as "Less than IAEA Category 3," which means it contains minimal radioactive material. The NRC’s classification indicates that the material poses little risk of causing permanent harm, though unshielded exposure could potentially cause temporary harm if mishandled or if someone is exposed for a prolonged period.
Despite the low-risk nature of the material, its disappearance raises significant concerns. The NRC and the New Jersey State Police are investigating the incident, and the licensee has filed a claim with the shipper. The material’s loss is also considered reportable under 10 CFR 20.2201(a)(1)(ii), which mandates that significant events involving radioactive material be reported to authorities. The licensee has 30 days to locate the material; if it remains missing, a follow-up report with a full investigation into the root cause will be required.
As the mystery of the drones and the missing radioactive material unfolds, officials and residents are increasingly concerned about the potential risks posed by both. Although the drones have not been proven to pose an immediate threat, their repeated appearances have led to questions about their purpose. Local law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have been investigating the drones’ origins, but thus far, they have not provided definitive answers.
According to federal authorities, there is no confirmed connection between the drones and the missing radioactive material. However, the drones have been described as commercial-grade unmanned aerial systems (UAS), with a size of up to 6 feet in diameter. Their behavior—flying in grid patterns and often hovering in one spot for extended periods—suggests that they might be engaged in a deliberate survey or reconnaissance operation, possibly related to the missing material or other unknown activities.
There is a growing concern that these drones could be part of a larger surveillance operation or even an attempt to recover the lost radioactive material. Experts in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) note that drones are increasingly being used for commercial purposes, such as mapping, surveillance, and delivery. However, the frequency and secrecy of the New Jersey sightings have made it difficult to determine whether the drones are being operated by legitimate entities or if they have nefarious intentions.
The drone sightings and the missing radioactive material have led to frustration among New Jersey lawmakers and federal officials. Governor Phil Murphy has voiced his concerns about the lack of answers from federal agencies, calling for greater transparency and more immediate action to address the situation. In addition, Senator Richard Blumenthal and other members of Congress have demanded that the federal government launch a thorough investigation into the mysterious drones and the missing material.
Despite these calls, federal agencies such as the FBI and DHS have stated that, at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the drones pose a national security threat or that the missing radioactive material is part of a larger, more dangerous operation. However, the frequency of sightings, the connection to the missing Ge-68 material, and the lack of definitive answers have only fueled public concerns.
While the drones themselves may not pose an immediate physical danger, the radioactive material that is missing could pose serious risks if it falls into the wrong hands. Although the material is categorized as low-risk, unshielded exposure to it could cause temporary harm to anyone in close proximity for extended periods. The danger is compounded by the fact that lithium batteries used in drones could pose a fire hazard if the drones are damaged during flight or if they come into contact with dangerous materials like radioactive sources.
It is crucial that state and federal authorities continue to investigate the drones and the missing radioactive material to ensure public safety. While the connection between the two events remains speculative, the timing and proximity of the sightings to the loss of the Ge-68 source demand further scrutiny.
The mystery surrounding the drones over New Jersey and the missing radioactive material has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear. While there is no conclusive evidence linking the two events, the speculation surrounding their connection has sparked public concern. As authorities continue their investigations, residents, lawmakers, and experts alike are calling for greater transparency and more decisive action to uncover the truth behind the drones and the missing radioactive material. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in determining whether these events are linked and what actions need to be taken to ensure the safety and security of the public.