Q&A: The Mysterious Flying Objects - Penn Engineering Blog

Picture of a drone flying over a major city at sunset. — For more than a month, residents in New Jersey, parts of Pennsylvania, and New York have spotted unidentified flying objects, which local residents refer to as “drones,” hovering over neighborhoods, critical infrastructure and even restricted sites. To learn more about the mysterious flying objects, Penn Today spoke with local expert Dean Vijay Kumar of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. (Image: Courtesy of iStock/Naypong)

For more than a month, residents across New Jersey, parts of Pennsylvania, and New York have looked skyward to discover unidentified flying objects—what many have taken to calling “drones”—quietly hovering above their neighborhoods. These mysterious sightings have drawn concern and curiosity, as the drones are sometimes seen lingering near critical infrastructure, restricted areas, and residential communities, prompting local governments and law enforcement agencies to investigate potential security and privacy implications.

Although various explanations have been offered, the true nature and purpose of these hovering contraptions remains unclear, keeping many on edge and authorities on high alert.

To help better understand these inexplicable aerial visitors, Penn Today met with a leading authority on autonomous aerial systems: the Nemirovsky Family Dean of Penn Engineering, Vijay Kumar. With his extensive research in robotics and drones, Kumar shares insights into these technologies.

Q: What do you know about the ‘drones’ so far?

From what I have seen, these drones operate with visible running lights, which suggests they follow rules. If they are above 250 grams in weight, they are likely registered. The pilots are most likely licensed with FAA’s Part 107 license. The fact that the initial sightings, going back to 2020, were near military bases suggests that the military is probably aware and tracking these drones, maybe even responsible for these deployments.

The only thing I might add is that some cities and parks in New Jersey prohibit drone flights without explicit permission. I don’t exactly know where these drones were sighted, but the question of whether these flights are legal or not is up for debate. Even if they are sanctioned by the township or park, it does not allow surveillance-grade cameras to gather data on private citizens.

Q: For everyday citizens, distinguishing a drone from a small aircraft can be tough at night. What visual or acoustic clues might help people identify drones?

Drones produce distinct acoustic signatures, typically high-pitched buzzing or whirring sounds from their propellers. Visually, they may exhibit blinking or steady navigation lights, but advanced drones could use infrared illumination, visible only with specialized equipment. Their movement patterns—sudden stops, turns, and hovering—also distinguish them from traditional aircraft.

Q: People have been describing unidentified anomalous phenomena ranging in size from bicycles to SUVs. Is this realistic with current technology, or could it signal a new class of advanced unmanned aerial systems?

The described range is plausible with current technology. Small drones are well-established, while larger UAVs like delivery drones and tactical military platforms approach the size of small vehicles. None of the reports suggest dramatically new technologies.

This Q/A was conducted by Nathi Magubane. To read the full interview, please visit Penn Today.