Bottom Line
While the source reports thousands of alleged sightings, official bodies like AARO have logged specific cases of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), but the origin and purpose of these reported metallic orbs remain unconfirmed.
Article Summary
Recent analysis of crowdsourced UFO-spotting data has brought renewed attention to reports of unusual objects in the night sky. The focus is specifically on sightings described as metallic orbs near U. S. military installations.
According to a report from Daily Express US, a platform called Enigma logged thousands of such alleged encounters across the United States between late 2022 and mid-2025.
The majority of these reported incidents involve objects seen at night, often near major military bases in states including California, New York, and Arizona. These reports describe metallic orbs with specific flight characteristics.
This wave of reporting occurs alongside ongoing official monitoring efforts by the Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which continues to track unidentified aerial phenomena.
The Scope of Reported Metallic Orb Sightings
A new report analyzing data from the crowdsourced UFO-sighting app Enigma indicates a significant volume of sightings. Between December 2022 and June 2025, Enigma logged over 8,000 reports within the U. S.
Of these total submissions, 422 specifically described the presence of a metallic orb. The majority of these alleged observations were reported during the early morning hours, typically between 1 a. m. and 4 a. m., and occurred within five miles of military bases.
The report specifies that 360 of the 422 metallic orbs were seen near named military installations, including Fort Hamilton in New York, Papago Military Reserve in Arizona, and Los Angeles Air Force Base in California.
Characteristics Described by Witnesses
The report notes a shift in reported UAP types. While classic disc-shaped UFOs were common during the mid-20th century, orb-shaped UAPs have emerged as one of the most frequently reported modern phenomena on Enigma.
Witness descriptions of these metallic orbs include several consistent details: they are often seen hovering silently, darting across the sky at seemingly impossible speeds, and typically lack visible propulsion systems or control surfaces.
Furthermore, 43% of those reporting the orbs mentioned seeing accompanying light, while 40% stated the object flew very low. Another substantial percentage reported rapid movement, with 35% noting the object moved quickly or fast, and 38% reporting that it was hovering.
Official Tracking Efforts by AARO
The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) maintains its own record of unidentified aerial phenomena. According to the office’s annual report, AARO logged 757 cases between May 2023 and June 2024.
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In a separate instance related to UAP coverage, former head of AARO Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick presented a video showing a metallic sphere over the Middle East. This 24-second clip was captured by an MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle. The AARO report assessed that while the object in this specific clip was not exhibiting anomalous behavior, it remained unidentified.
The Context of Restricted Airspace Sightings
A common theme emerging from the crowdsourced reports is the location of these alleged sightings. The metallic orbs are frequently reported in restricted airspace, near nuclear facilities, and have even been tracked by high-resolution infrared systems or radar.
This pattern has led to theories suggesting the objects may function as surveillance devices, whether deployed by terrestrial governments or other sources.
However, the report also acknowledges competing explanations. Some skeptics suggest that these metallic orbs could be misunderstood weather balloons, optical illusions, or rare atmospheric conditions like ball lightning.
What Remains Unclear About Origin and Purpose
Despite the volume of reports and official tracking efforts, the origin and purpose of these metallic orbs remain unknown. The source explicitly states that this remains true despite both official statements and competing theories.
The Enigma report also mentions that some theories suggest the sightings might be a psychological manifestation, projected by the human mind during high-stress moments or altered states. This adds another layer of complexity to interpreting the data.
Ultimately, while the reports provide detailed accounts of *what* was seen and *where*, they do not offer definitive answers regarding the object's nature or its intent.
Key Points
- The bulk of metallic orb sightings reported via Enigma occurred between 1 a. m. and 4 a. m., concentrated near military bases in states like California, New York, and Arizona.
- Enigma logged over 8,000 total U. S. reports since late 2022; of these, 360 were specifically linked to major military installations.
- AARO's annual report confirms tracking 757 cases between May 2023 and June 2024, with twenty-one classified as unresolved sightings.
- The reported orbs are characterized by their silent hovering capability and lack of visible propulsion systems.
- While some theories suggest surveillance technology, the source maintains that the origin and purpose of these objects remain unconfirmed.
Why It Matters
The convergence of high-volume crowdsourced reports with official government tracking data highlights a persistent public interest in unidentified aerial phenomena. The detailed nature of the metallic orb sightings—their timing, location near sensitive infrastructure, and specific flight patterns—provides concrete details for researchers to analyze. However, until independent corroboration or an official technical assessment confirms the object's behavior, these reports must be treated as valuable witness accounts rather than definitive proof.
UAP Radar Analysis
Confirmed
- The item is labeled as a witness report or public report, which means the account is preserved separately from verified records.
- A source link is preserved so readers can inspect the original publisher article, public record, or source material.
Not Confirmed
- UAP Radar does not independently determine the origin, nature, or explanation of the reported object or claim.
- The source label identifies where the information came from; it does not convert a claim into a verified finding.
Main Takeaway
The convergence of high-volume crowdsourced reports with official government tracking data highlights a persistent public interest in unidentified aerial phenomena. The detailed nature of the metallic orb sightings—their timing, location near sensitive infrastructure, and specific flight patterns—provides concrete details for researchers to analyze. However, until independent corroboration or an official technical assessment confirms the object's behavior, these reports must be treated as valuable witness accounts rather than definitive proof.
What Needs More Review
Additional witnesses, records, sensor data, or local documentation would strengthen the report.
Related Topics
Reader Note
The data presented comes from a crowdsourced platform (Enigma) and is supplemented by AARO’s annual report figures. Readers should remember that while both sources are reporting on UAP activity, they represent different types of evidence: user-submitted sightings versus institutional tracking records.
FAQ
What is Enigma?
Enigma is a crowdsourced UFO-sighting app that allows users to report their own sightings, contributing to the large dataset of alleged UAP encounters.
How many total reports were logged by Enigma in the specified timeframe?
According to the report, Enigma logged more than 8,000 total reports in the U. S. between December 2022 and June 2025.
What is AARO's role?
AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office) is a Pentagon office responsible for investigating unidentified aerial phenomena, logging cases, and assessing the data.
What are the most common times and locations for these reports?
The majority of metallic orb sightings were reported between 1 a. m. and 4 a. m., often within five miles of military bases in states like California, New York, and Arizona.