If you’re looking up at the night skies this weekend hoping to catch a glimpse of the passing meteor shower, you might spot one of those unidentified drones everyone is talking about — and worrying — about.
Or, if you’re planning to keep an eye out for the mysterious drones, you may just catch a meteor whipping by.
Drone sightings have been reported all over New Jersey and even neighboring states. People have reported seeing the blinking lights over their homes and businesses late in the evenings and into the early nights.
Reports of these drones remain mysterious even as police, FBI, Homeland Security and multiple local and federal government officials continue to investigate and say that they pose no national security or public threat. The Pentagon also noted they are not U.S. military drones.
Witnesses, officials and lawmakers have described large drones in the skies, about six feet in diameter, only flying at night, from dusk to 11 p.m.
New Jersey skies are constantly lit up by airplanes’ blinking lights from surrounding major airports that include Newark Liberty International, John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia and Philadelphia International.
How do you tell the difference between a drone and a plane? Or, this weekend are you seeing one of the strongest, brightest and most active meteor showers of the year: the Geminid?
Here’s everything you need to know and watch for.
How to see the drones in NJ
A drone is an unmanned aircraft or ship that is guided remotely or autonomously and most drones are not allowed to fly during the night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least three miles.
Drones usually have lights in a tight square pattern and have a unique sound, like the buzzing of a lawn mower. While planes will have lights on the nose, tail and both wings.
The drones reported in New Jersey are said to be nearly the size of an SUV and move in obvious patterns.
Meteor shower lights are much faster moving with a distinct “streak” that fades out at the end, as in a quick flash appearing from anywhere in the sky.
When is the Geminids meteor shower?
The Geminids meteor shower is currently active, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 24. But it is expected to peak overnight on Friday and Saturday, according to EarthSky.org.
While the full moon, set to occur Sunday, may wash out some of the fainter meteors, bright and fast streaks of light will still be visible for patient observers.
How to see the meteor shower in NJ
Unlike many other meteor showers, the Geminids are visible worldwide, thanks to their nearly 24-hour broad maximum. They are also ideal for younger stargazers, as meteors begin to rise in mid-evening and highest around 2 a.m., albeit you can watch for these all night, on and around December 13 and 14.
To catch the show, NASA recommends finding a dark spot far from city lights. Dress warmly and bring a blanket, sleeping bag, or lawn chair for comfort. Lie flat on your back with your feet facing south, and allow your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the dark. Patience is key, as the meteor shower will last until dawn.