TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s skies have seen their fair share of mysterious objects, with drone sightings becoming a hot topic of conversation. Whether it’s someone piloting a recreational drone for fun or law enforcement using them for surveillance, these buzzing machines have sparked curiosity and sometimes confusion.
Many reports of blinking lights or unusual movements turn out to be drones, as their technology allows them to hover, zip, and even perform acrobatics that can mimic something otherworldly.
But not everything you see up there is a drone. The night sky over the Garden State is teeming with natural wonders like stars, planets, and meteors that can easily be mistaken for human-made objects. For instance, Venus—the so-called “Evening Star”—often gleams so brightly that people confuse it for a hovering aircraft or drone. Similarly, planes passing through Newark Liberty International Airport add their own set of moving lights, further complicating what’s visible in the sky. The combination of celestial phenomena, atmospheric conditions, and human activity makes the night sky a kaleidoscope of potential misinterpretations.
It’s also worth noting that many drone sightings are debunked upon closer inspection. A flickering light could be an airplane at a distance, a shooting star, or even an optical illusion caused by a camera lens. Amateur astronomers often point out how mistaken identity plays a huge role in what people think they’re seeing. While drones are increasingly present in our airspace, they’re just one part of the dazzling and complex tapestry above New Jersey.
As winter nights envelop New Jersey, the sky transforms into a celestial theater, showcasing planets, stars, and human-made wonders. Let’s explore the nightly spectacles awaiting you and how to enhance your stargazing experience.
Planetary Parade Over New Jersey
December 2024 offers a dazzling lineup of planets visible from the Garden State. Here’s when and where to spot them:
- Mercury: Visible near the southeastern horizon just before sunrise during the last half of the month. It rises around an hour and 30 minutes before sunrise, making early morning the best time to catch a glimpse.
- Venus: Shining brightly as the “Evening Star,” Venus graces the southwestern sky after sunset. It sets approximately three hours post-sunset, offering a radiant display during early evening hours.
- Mars: Mars brightens significantly during December, rising in the east-northeast and visible from late evening to early morning. Its reddish hue makes it distinguishable among the stars.
- Jupiter: Reaching opposition on December 7, Jupiter is visible all night, rising in the east-northeast. It’s the second brightest planet in the night sky and is easily visible to the naked eye.
- Saturn: Visible in the southern sky following sunset, Saturn sets around an hour before midnight. Its golden glow adds to the evening’s planetary ensemble.
Track the Planets with Ease
To enhance your stargazing, consider downloading the “Planets” app on your smartphone. This user-friendly tool provides real-time tracking of planetary positions, rise and set times, and visibility conditions tailored to your location. Available for both iOS and Android, it’s a handy companion for both novice and seasoned skywatchers.
You can also check out NASA’s realtime skywatching app on their website to rule out satellites, the space station, and other objects orbiting earth.
Air Traffic Above: Tracking Planes
Beyond celestial bodies, the skies over New Jersey are bustling with aircraft. Several apps allow you to monitor air traffic in real-time:
- Flightradar24: This app offers live flight tracking, providing details like aircraft type, altitude, speed, and route. Its interactive map lets you tap on any plane to access comprehensive flight information.
- FlightAware: Offering real-time flight status and tracking, FlightAware covers both commercial and private flights. Features include flight alerts, airport delays, and historical data.
- Plane Finder: With a sleek interface, Plane Finder displays live air traffic, allowing users to search for flights by number, airline, or destination. It also offers augmented reality views, letting you point your device at the sky to identify aircraft overhead.
Stellar Highlights: Bright Stars Over New Jersey
December nights also feature some of the brightest stars:
- Sirius: Known as the Dog Star, Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Located in the constellation Canis Major, it rises in the southeast and is visible throughout the night.
- Betelgeuse: This red supergiant marks the shoulder of Orion. Its distinct reddish tint makes it easily identifiable in the southern sky during the evening.
- Aldebaran: The eye of Taurus the Bull, Aldebaran is a bright orange giant star. It’s best seen at midnight between late November and early December. Wikipedia
- Capella: A prominent star in the constellation Auriga, Capella appears almost directly overhead in the evening and is one of the brightest stars in the northern hemisphere.
Tips for Optimal Sky Viewing
- Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential. Use local forecasts to ensure optimal viewing conditions.
- Find a Dark Spot: Light pollution can hinder visibility. Seek out parks or rural areas away from city lights.
- Use Red Light: If you need a flashlight, cover it with red cellophane to preserve your night vision.
- Be Patient: Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness, which can take about 20 minutes.
Whether you’re marveling at distant planets, tracking flights, or simply gazing at the stars, the night sky over New Jersey offers a plethora of wonders beyond drones. Equip yourself with the right tools, bundle up against the cold, and let the universe unfold before your eyes.
If you check all the above off the list, and you still can’t identify the object, well, you might have a drone sighting on your hands.