The skies above the United States have become the backdrop for a growing mystery, as thousands of metallic orbs have been spotted hovering—often in the dead of night—near military bases and sensitive infrastructure. According to a new report from the crowdsourced platform Enigma, more than 8,000 unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings have been logged across the U.S. between December 2022 and June 2025. Of these, 422 reports specifically describe metallic orbs, with the majority observed between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. in the vicinity of military installations in New York, California, and Arizona.
Eyewitnesses, ranging from civilians and pilots to military personnel, have described these mysterious spheres as hovering silently before darting away at what seem to be impossible speeds, leaving no trace of their departure. "I was walking into work when I looked up and saw two metallic liquid-like objects hovering for about two minutes," recounted one witness over Brooklyn's Fort Hamilton in June 2024, as reported by Enigma. Another Californian observer described seeing a metallic orb above Los Angeles shortly after a squadron of planes flew by, adding to the intrigue.
The Pentagon has not ignored these reports. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), established to investigate claims of UFOs, has been actively cataloging such incidents. According to AARO's annual report, 757 cases were logged between May 2023 and June 2024, with 21 cases classified as unresolved sightings. While many reports have been dismissed as natural phenomena—such as flocks of birds, conventional aircraft, drones, or weather balloons—a significant number remain unexplained, leaving military officials scratching their heads.
What sets these orbs apart from classic disc-shaped UFOs of the mid-20th century is their prevalence in modern sightings and their peculiar behavior. As detailed in Enigma's report, "Orb-shaped UAP have emerged as one of the most frequently reported modern phenomena on Enigma. Often spotted at high altitudes near sensitive infrastructure, these orbs are described as hovering silently or darting across the sky at seemingly impossible speeds." The report further notes, "Consistently seen across the globe, the orbs typically lack visible propulsion systems or control surfaces."
The data is striking: 360 of the 422 metallic orb sightings occurred within five miles of U.S. military bases such as Fort Hamilton in New York, Papago Military Reserve in Arizona, and Los Angeles Air Force Base in California. These close encounters have even been documented on video and radar. In one notable case, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, the former director of AARO, presented a 24-second video captured by an MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Middle East in 2022. The footage showed a metallic sphere flying in broad daylight, and while AARO assessed that the object was not exhibiting anomalous behavior, it remained unidentified. Kirkpatrick warned, "If these videos don't prove that aliens exist, then they're evidence that a rival foreign power could be doing stuff in our backyard."
Theories abound regarding the origin and purpose of these metallic orbs. Some government officials and experts have suggested that the orbs could be advanced surveillance drones deployed by foreign powers such as China or Russia, especially given their agility and apparent ability to evade radar detection. This theory gained traction after a surge in drone sightings over the U.S. East Coast in 2024, including over key military sites and even President Trump's property in New Jersey, according to a 2022 report in the New York Times.
Enigma's data reveals that sightings are not limited to military installations. Many have been concentrated in Texas and Florida, with some occurring over critical infrastructure like power plants and naval vessels at sea. In August 2025, visitors at Disney World's Epcot in Florida witnessed a glowing orb hovering over the amusement park. After finding no information about drones or satellites in the area, Morgan Huelsman, digital director of The Bobby Bones Show, declared, "Definitely a UFO with aliens," capturing the public's mix of wonder and apprehension.
The phenomenon is not confined to the United States. Reports of similar orbs have surfaced worldwide, from Puerto Rico to the Middle East, and even as far back as World War II, when pilots described "foo fighters"—mysterious glowing orbs—over the skies of Europe. The global consistency of these reports, combined with their focus on restricted airspace and sensitive sites, keeps both the public and officials guessing.
Enigma's analysis of the 422 metallic orb reports reveals some intriguing patterns. According to the platform, 43% of witnesses mentioned the appearance of light, 40% said the object flew very low, 35% reported rapid movement, and 38% noted hovering. The orbs are frequently observed in restricted airspace, near nuclear facilities, and have even been tracked on radar or captured by high-resolution infrared systems. As Enigma's report puts it, "What makes these orbs especially compelling isn't just how often they appear, but where and how they operate."
Not everyone is convinced that these orbs are otherworldly or even technologically advanced. Some skeptics argue that the metallic orbs may be misunderstood weather balloons, optical illusions, or rare atmospheric conditions such as ball lightning. Others go further, suggesting that they could be psychological manifestations projected by the human mind during altered states or high-stress moments. "Despite official statements and competing theories, their origin and purpose remain unknown," the Enigma report admits.
In what might be the most tangible development yet, a metallic orb dubbed the "Buga Sphere" was recovered in Colombia in March 2025 after being seen hovering over the town of Buga before striking a power line and crashing to the ground. Scientists examining the sphere discovered a maze of fiber-optic wires inside, suggesting it might be capable of sending and receiving signals. The spot where it landed showed signs of dehydration, with all grass and soil killed—evidence some researchers say points to the presence of an energy field. The sphere has since been transported to Mexico for further analysis. However, not all experts are convinced of its significance. Dr. Julia Mossbridge, a UFO researcher from the University of San Diego, is among those who doubt its authenticity, calling it a "man-made art project."
The debate over the metallic orbs—whether they are cutting-edge surveillance technology, atmospheric phenomena, or something far stranger—shows no sign of abating. For now, the orbs remain a riddle, capturing imaginations and fueling speculation from military analysts, scientists, and ordinary citizens alike. As investigations continue and more sightings are reported, these silent visitors in the night sky may yet reveal their secrets—or continue to keep us guessing.