If you're an X-Files fan, this story will sound familiar. For several weeks, the skies over New Jersey have been the scene of sightings that would make Fox Mulder happy: flying objects the size of SUVs that defy rational explanation. And while social media is filling up of video and hypotheses, the highest federal authorities are working to solve the mystery.
When the sky turns yellow
As in any good thriller, it all started with some apparently isolated reports. The first videos of strange UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, the politically correct term for UFOs) flying over Morris and Somerset counties. We're not talking about distant lights: these objects are as big as an SUV.
The situation has become so serious that eight local police chiefs have had to release a joint statement. The message? “Yes, we see them too. No, we don't know what they are. But we're working on it.”FBI he even set up a hotline for reporting. It reminds me a lot of that old poster in Mulder's office: "I Want to Believe."
New Jersey, authorities enter the scene
The governor Phil Murphy He didn't sit back and watch. He organized a summit with the Secretary of Homeland Security. Alexander Mayorkas and other big shots. They all sound like fake names, don't they? Anyway, the official message from local authorities was: “No threat to the public.” Classic. That's exactly what they would say if there was a threat, right? The Federal Aviation Administration has done more: it has banned drone flights over two sensitive places. The first is the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, the second is the military base of Picatinny Arsenal. Someone would now say “Coincidences? I don’t think so.”
A dangerous déjà vu
I can't help but think of that time, not too long ago, when the American skies were "invaded" by alleged Chinese spy balloons. Remember? It was a moment of collective hysteria that led to the shooting down of various flying objects, some of which they turned out to be harmless weather balloons.
History seems to repeat itself: same fears, same exaggerated reactions, same tension. As if there was a need for an enemy, always and in any case, be it extraterrestrial or terrestrial.
Anyway, not just New Jersey
Sightings have also spread to Pennsylvania and Staten Island, New York. Social media is abuzz with theories ranging from surveillance drones to UFOs to secret military experiments. The FAA has already made it clear that violating airspace with drones risks fines up to $75.000. As long as he is identified.
Is the truth out there?
As authorities continue to investigate, I can't help but notice a familiar pattern: something strange appears in the skies, authorities downplay it, people become divided between skeptics and believers. It's a script we've seen before.
Maybe the truth is simpler than we think. Or maybe, as the recent story of the spy balloons suggests, there are some who just can't live without an enemy to fear. After all, keeping people looking up can be a great way to distract them from what's going on here on Earth. In the meantime, if you live in New Jersey and see something strange in the sky, you know who to call. No, not the Ghostbusters: the FBI, at 1-800-225-5324. Just don't expect them to tell you the whole truth.
That, as always, It's out there.
