In footage that has captivated viewers and reignited speculation about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), a mysterious orb-like object was inadvertently captured on camera by a Fox 5 news helicopter flying over Lower Manhattan. The object, seen zipping over the Hudson River and past Battery Park, appeared to move with incredible speed, leaving many wondering whether it was a technical glitch, a man-made craft, or something out of this world.
The video, which aired on *Good Day New York*, shows the orb streaking through the sky in a distinct arcing motion, seemingly outpacing every boat on the Hudson. Appearing white in the distance and later adopting a bluish tint, the object moved toward the camera before quickly vanishing from view.
The footage, unaltered according to the network, has sparked debate among experts, enthusiasts, and skeptics alike. While some believe the object is a sign of advanced technology, others are chalking it up to optical illusions or mundane explanations.
Harvard physicist and cosmologist Avi Loeb was quick to dismiss the idea of extraterrestrial origins. He suggested the phenomenon was likely a reflection or optical artifact caused by sunlight hitting the helicopter’s glass.
“This is most likely an optical artifact…a bright spot from the reflection of sunlight,” Loeb explained. He added that even if it were a real object, its apparent speed—estimated at roughly the speed of sound—would not qualify as extraordinary.
Retired Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet echoed Loeb’s sentiments, suggesting the footage likely captured an artifact rather than a genuine UAP. Both experts downplayed the significance of the sighting, labeling it as a probable misinterpretation.
But skeptics of the “optical illusion” theory point to the object’s opaque nature and the traceable shadow it cast on a building near Hoboken before darting over the river. Unlike typical lens flares, the orb’s behavior suggests something tangible moving in a deliberate pattern.
If the object was real, its speed was astounding. The orb appeared to travel the three-mile distance from Hoboken to the southern tip of Manhattan in just four seconds, putting its velocity at roughly 2,700 miles per hour—more than double the speed of an F-18 fighter jet.
Its movement was also notably controlled, following two distinct arcing paths that suggest intentional navigation. For those open to the possibility of advanced technology, the orb’s behavior raises intriguing questions.
While skeptics argue the phenomenon could be attributed to a “parallax effect”—a visual distortion caused by the movement of the helicopter and camera—others remain unconvinced. This explanation was recently used to “debunk” the famous Pentagon “GOFAST” radar footage, leaving many wondering if such dismissals are too convenient.
This isn’t the first time such objects have been spotted. In fact, the footage bears a striking resemblance to metallic orbs reported worldwide, including one documented last year by the Pentagon in military-controlled airspace.
The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) has acknowledged its inability to identify these objects, admitting they could represent technology beyond human comprehension. Just last week, a congressional hearing included startling allegations of secret crash retrieval programs and contact with “non-human intelligence.”
With the government’s credibility under increasing scrutiny, the latest sighting comes at a time when public interest in UAPs has reached a fever pitch.
As Americans grow more skeptical of official explanations, this latest sighting adds fuel to the fire. While mainstream scientists like Loeb insist on conventional interpretations, others see the government’s track record of secrecy as cause for deeper investigation.
News anchor Dan Bowens, who shared the footage on Instagram, seemed just as baffled. “Anyone else see this on *Good Day*?” he asked his followers. “What is that? A balloon?”
A balloon—or something far more advanced?
Whatever the orb may be, its sudden appearance over one of the most densely populated areas in the world—and its startling speed—deserves more than a dismissive shrug. For now, it remains an enigma in the sky, leaving New Yorkers and UFO enthusiasts across the nation to wonder: what aren’t we being told?
