The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is investigating a significant increase in reports of metallic, orb-shaped unidentified flying objects (UFOs) observed near U.S. military installations. This phenomenon, documented between December 2022 and June 2025, has drawn the attention of defense officials and the public, prompting a closer examination of these enigmatic aerial phenomena.
A comprehensive analysis of crowdsourced data reveals over 8,000 UFO sightings across the United States during this period, with 422 reports specifically describing metallic orbs. These sightings predominantly occurred in the early morning hours, between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., and were frequently reported near military bases in states such as New York, California, and Arizona. More than 360 of these metallic orb reports were noted within a few miles of U.S. military bases, including Fort Hamilton in New York, the Papago Military Reserve in Arizona, and Los Angeles Air Force Base in California.
Eyewitness accounts from civilians, pilots, and military personnel consistently describe these objects as hovering silently before accelerating to extreme speeds, leaving no discernible trace. Some encounters have been captured on video or radar, yet many remain unexplained. For instance, two metallic, liquid-like objects were reported hovering over Fort Hamilton in June 2024. Similarly, a metallic orb was observed over Los Angeles shortly after a squadron of planes passed by. The phenomenon is not confined to the U.S., with reports also emerging from Puerto Rico and the Middle East.
The AARO, tasked with investigating these claims, has attributed many sightings to conventional explanations such as birds, aircraft, drones, or balloons. However, a portion of cases remain unresolved due to insufficient data. In its annual report covering 757 UFO cases from May 2023 to June 2024, AARO classified 21 as unresolved. Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick, former director of AARO, cautioned that if these sightings are not extraterrestrial, they could indicate advanced capabilities being deployed by rival foreign powers within U.S. airspace.
Adding a unique dimension to the ongoing investigation is the 'Buga Sphere,' a metallic object recovered in Buga, Colombia, in March 2025. This sphere reportedly dehydrated the ground where it landed and contains fiber-optic-like wires. Scientific analysis by institutions like UNAM has confirmed the presence of optical fiber-like material, though some researchers, such as Dr. Julia Mossbridge, have expressed skepticism, suggesting it could be a man-made art project. Despite these doubts, scientists have noted that the object appears to produce an energy field, evidenced by the dehydrated ground. The Buga Sphere's properties, including its seamless construction and unusual material composition, have led to speculation about its origin and purpose, with some theories suggesting advanced terrestrial technology or even non-human intelligence.
Historical context suggests that similar orb sightings have occurred for decades, with pilots during World War II reporting comparable phenomena over Europe. The current surge in reports, coupled with the advanced capabilities attributed to these objects—such as extreme speed and silent hovering—raises significant questions about potential foreign surveillance or unknown technological advancements.