TYB
>WWG1WGA <= A saying that can be said by those both on the crust and possibly any below it!
Above it, and or around it too
Asteroid-comet hybrid stuns scientists: ‘Like nothing we’ve seen before’
Jan. 6, 2025, 2:55 p.m. ET
It really rocked their world.
Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have better observed an asteroid that strangely possesses hybrid characteristics of a comet as well.
The strange rock mass, first spotted in 1977, has been identified as 2060 Chiron and is classified as a centaur — named for the mythological hybrid half-man, half-horse — and orbits the sun once every 50 years from the far reaches between the gigantic, gaseous planets Jupiter and Neptune.
Experts at the University of Central Florida, published in “Astronomy & Astrophysics,” are studying Chiron because it uniquely contains a solidified icy exterior and gasses coming from a region of its interior called a coma.
“These results are like nothing we’ve seen before,” said researcher Charles Schambeau of the “oddball” centaur.
Researcher Noemí Pinilla-Alonso explained that the composition is uncharacteristic of objects near Neptune.
Its gaseous and solid states, which lead to behavior like that of an asteroid and a comet, are also head-scratchers.
Now, Chiron can explain how similar space rocks can exist within our solar system.
Schambeau added that the high-powered Webb telescope “has made it accessible” to analyze gas-based objects far from the sun.
The recent research shed new light on Chiron, first found almost half a century ago.
“These detections enhance our understanding of Chiron’s interior composition and how that material produces the unique behaviors as we observe Chiron,” said Schambeau.
The researchers also suggest that much of Chiron’s gas, such as carbon dioxide and methane, is primordial and dates back to before our sun formed millions of years ago.
Pinilla-Alonso believes the hybrid holds answers about the early universe.
“All the small bodies in the solar system talk to us about how it was back in time, which is a period of time we can’t really observe anymore,” she said. “But active centaurs tell us much more.”
Pinilla-Alonso added that the team intends to “follow up” with Chiron as it approaches Earth and the sun.
The goal is to “study it at nearer distances and get better reads on the quantities and nature of the ices” to understand its behavior better.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/06/science/asteroid-comet-hybrid-stuns-scientists-like-nothing-weve-seen-before/
https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa50124-24/aa50124-24.html
India delays 1st space docking of SpaDeX satellites, 'further validation' needed
January 6, 2025
India postponed its first attempt to dock two spaceraft in Earth orbit to allow more time for tests as the country prepares for what will be a vital technology tests for its future ambitions in space.
The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Space Docking Experiment, or SpaDeX, was expected to link up two small satellites in low Earth orbit in the late evening of Monday, Jan. 6 (Jan. 7 India Standard Time) after their successful launch on a PSLV rocket on Dec. 30.
The test will mark ISRO's first-ever test of a homegrown automated space docking system.
"The SpaDeX docking scheduled on 7th is now postponed to 9th," ISRO officials wrote in a mission update on the social media site X on Monday.
"The docking process requires further validation through ground simulations based on an abort scenario identified today."
ISRO's SpaDeX mission is designed to test automated rendezvous and docking technology for use on future missions to the moon and near Earth space by robotic and crewed spacecraft.
The mission "will mark India’s entry into the exclusive league of nations capable of mastering space docking," Jitendra Singh, India's Minister of State for Science and Technology, said in a statement before launch.
The United States, Russia and China have developed docking technology for crewed spacecraft, as have Japan and the European Space Agency, which both developed uncrewed cargo ships to visit the International Space Station.
(Japan's HTV cargo ships were captured by a robotic arm to link up with the station, while Europe's ATV ships could dock themselves).
ISRO aims to build Bharatiya Antariksha Station, a crewed space station orbiting the moon, by 2040, and docking technology will be vital in both the station's assembly phase and its crewed operations.
India also plans to launch Chandrayaan-4, a sample-return mission to the moon's south pole, by 2028. That mission will require the docking of a sample capsule with a return spacecraft for the trip back to Earth.
During the SpaDeX mission, a Chaser satellite will approach and dock with a Target satellite while both fly about 290 miles (470 kilometers) above Earth.
Each SpaDeX satellite weighs about 485 pounds (220 kilograms).
In addition to the twin SpaDeX satellites, ISRO also launched a separate suite of 24 experiments on a POEM-4 platform attached to the upper stage of the mission's PSLV rocket.
Those experiments included several novel demonstrations, including of India's first crawling robotic arm (similar to the Canadarm2 on the ISS), a different robot arm to catch space debris, and other technology payloads.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/indias-delays-1st-space-docking-of-spadex-satellites
Springtime on Mars brings frost avalanches, gas geysers and explosions
January 6, 2025
Instead of chilled glasses and champagne bubbles to ring in the New Year, how about gassy geysers and frosty avalanches?
That’s exactly what you can expect as the Martian New Year begins on the Red Planet with the onset of spring across its Northern Hemisphere.
The term "walking in a winter wonderland" on Mars consists more like sprinting across the surface, having to dodge the crash of cliffsides and explosions of carbon dioxide.
Unlike our northern hemisphere on Earth, on the Red Planet, the new year starts off with the beginning of the spring season.
The Martian New Year began on Nov. 12, 2024, and spans for 687 Earth days, with the temperature starting to rise and quite the shift in season from winter to spring.
"Springtime on Earth has lots of trickling as water ice gradually melts.
But on Mars, everything happens with a bang," Serina Diniega, who studies planetary surfaces at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, said in a statement.
"You get lots of cracks and explosions instead of melting, and I imagine it gets really noisy."
The atmosphere on Mars is very unique compared to on Earth.
For example, when the ice melts the liquid does not form puddles and pool on the surface; instead, sublimation takes place which switches the solid ice directly into a gas.
The abrupt shift can be quite violent, as both dry ice (composed of carbon dioxide) and regular ice (made of water) become much weaker and begin to break.
Since we are not able to witness this first-hand on Mars, scientists rely on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) to be their eyes to track these changes.
The Red Planet has been home to MRO since it launched in 2005, and it is equipped with different tools that provide images and observations from the surface.
"Chance observations we get are reminders of just how different Mars is from Earth, especially in springtime, when these surface changes are most noticeable," Diniega said.
"We're lucky we've had a spacecraft like MRO observing Mars for as long as it has. Watching for almost 20 years has let us catch dramatic moments like avalanches."
Take a look at some of the different phenomena scientists have observed or were able to recreate from data during the Martian springtime, thanks to instruments like MRO’s High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera.
Frost avalanches
As the temperature starts its seasonal climb, chunks of frost composed of carbon dioxide begin to break apart and crash to the surface.
This process was captured on camera by HiRISE in 2015, when a 66-foot-wide (20-meter-wide) block broke off and was photographed mid-air crashing to the ground.
Gas geysers
Imagine geysers in Yellowstone firing up water into the sky, only on Mars, they contain dark debris from under the surface carried up by bursts of gas.
As the sun turns the ice into gas underground, the build up gets so powerful that it eventually fires up dark material into the air, leaving behind dark fans on the Martian surface.
Surface "Dirt" Spiders
It might not be as scary as it sounds, but it certainly might look that way from space! Using a modeling at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), researchers were able to recreate what it would look like on the surface after sublimation takes place with the ice near some of the northern geysers – which resembles big spider legs!
Wild Winds
Did you know at Mars' north pole, there's an ice cap in the springtime that's as big as the state of Texas? As warm, strong winds whirl across the region, deep troughs are carved out as the ice thaws.
As a result, a swirling pattern takes shape across the ice cap from above, seen here by NASA’s retired Mars Global Surveyor.
Drifting Dunes
Another fantastic sight to see during the springtime on Mars is the reshaping of its sand dunes by the same warm and wild winds that impact the north pole.
The Martian dunes are created and migrate as the amount of sand grows on one side just as it’s removed from the other by the wind.
In the wintertime, carbon dioxide frost forms over the tops of the sand dunes, freezes, and holds them in place until the spring thaw allows them to move again.
https://www.space.com/the-universe/mars/springtime-on-mars-brings-frost-avalanches-gas-geysers-and-explosions-photos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w9ZFDqXN38
Home of the Mammary Mountains from Flesh Gordon?
China launches Shijian-25 satellite to test on-orbit refueling and mission extension technologies
January 6, 2025
China has kicked off its 2025 launch activities with the successful launch of the Shijian-25 satellite, aiming to advance key technologies for on-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans.
A Long March 3B rocket lifted off at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, Jan. 6 (2000 UTC), climbing into a night sky above Xichang Satellite Launch Center, southwest China.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed launch success around an hour after launch, revealing the previously undisclosed payload to be the Shijian-25.
Shijian-25 was developed and manufactured by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a major CASC subsidiary.
The spacecraft will be used for “satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service technology verification,” according to a SAST statement.
No images of the spacecraft nor an intended target for the tests were revealed by CASC, SAST or Chinese state media. The spacecraft appears to be launched into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
The Long March 3B is China’s workhorse rocket for launches to GTO, with airspace closure notices suggesting a GTO trajectory. China’s Shijian series is often associated with experimental and demonstration missions.
The Shijian-25 mission suggests China is focusing on advancing capabilities for maintaining and prolonging the operational lifespan of satellites already in orbit.
Such capabilities can reduce costs and improve sustainability in space operations.
The mission will also be carefully followed by other space actors as the mission — especially if carried out with low levels of transparency — could be perceived as dual-purpose.
While the mission may be focused on extending the lifetime of a civilian satellite, the capabilities could, for example, be used in the future to support military satellites through on-orbit servicing.
The People’s Liberation Army is known to be working on the technology and training tools for on-orbit satellite refueling for both peacetime and wartime scenarios.
The mission follows the 2021 launch of the Shijian-21 space debris mitigation satellite.
The spacecraft, also developed by SAST, docked with a defunct Beidou navigation satellite and towed it to a graveyard orbit above the geostationary belt, which is 35,786 kilometers above the equator.
That satellite, according to an apparently related model revealed ahead of launch, may have carried advanced robotic arms or docking mechanisms to capture, manipulate, and relocate satellites or debris.
Together, the missions suggest China is developing a comprehensive approach to the challenges of space operations, including sustainability, efficiency, and reducing debris.
China also has a commercial company planning refueling and active debris removal demonstration mission.
Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman’s SpaceLogistics subsidiary is targeting 2026 for launch for its next-generation satellite servicing vehicle, the Mission Robotic Vehicle (MRV).
Shijian-25 was China’s first orbital launch of 2025.
The country is yet to publish an overview of its plans for the year, but could once again target around 100 or more launches, as forecast by CASC for 2024.
The country fell short of that ambition, with 68 launch attempts, surpassing its national record for launch attempts in a calendar year by one.
China’s major missions for 2025 include crewed Shenzhou and Tianzhou cargo missions to the Tiangong space station and the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission.
CASC stated Jan.6 that it plans to launch more than 10 Long March 3 series rockets across 2025. The country will also debut an array of expendable and reusable launch vehicles this year.
https://spacenews.com/china-launches-shijian-25-satellite-to-test-on-orbit-refueling-and-mission-extension-technologies/
Operational C2 centers take center stage in Space Flag 25-1
Jan. 7, 2025
The U.S. Space Force's premier space exercise, Space Flag 25-1, marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the exercise with the participation of Operational Command and Control (C2) centers, mostly from U.S. Space Forces - Space, as full players.
For the first time, S4S’s National Space Defense Center, Combined Space Operations Center, and Joint Overhead Persistent Infrared Center, as well as the National Reconnaissance Office Operations Center, joined the exercise as Blue Cell players, bringing a new level of realism and complexity to the training scenario.
The inclusion of these C2 centers was a deliberate effort to add a layer of realism and enhance the exercise's effectiveness in preparing joint space forces for the challenges of the Great Power Competition.
By participating as full players, the C2 centers were able to develop and exercise their operational-level planning and execution skills, which are critical to achieving and maintaining space superiority.
“Having both [C2] centers participate in SF 25-1 is improving our synchronization and deconfliction processes to ensure we are providing critical space effects to the joint force as well as protecting and defending our systems,” said Lt. Col. Scott Voth, 55th Combat Training Squadron commander.
The C2 centers were able to provide a more accurate representation of the operational environment, allowing exercise participants to test their skills and tactics in a more immersive and dynamic scenario.
This, in turn, enabled the development of more effective tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint space operations.
"The inclusion of the operational C2 layer as full players in Space Flag 25-1 is a game-changer in the larger scope of how Space Forces will integrate and execute wartime effects," said Maj. Jacob Myers, NSDC Force Development deputy director.
"It allowed us an opportunity to synchronize our operational-level planning and execution in a more realistic and dynamic environment and determine where it works and where it does not, which is critical to achieving and maintaining space superiority."
The participation of C2 centers in Space Flag 25-1 also facilitated the integration of effects across Space Power Disciplines.
The C2 centers were able to work closely with other exercise participants to develop and execute synchronized tactical mission plans, which are essential to achieving space superiority.
The exercise demonstrated the importance of integrating space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance with other space-based capabilities, such as communications and navigation.
By working together, the C2 centers and other exercise participants were able to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and exercise their ability to respond to emerging threats.
“Integration is key to strengthening our aligned efforts,” said 1st Lt. Emily Riter, CSpOC Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Operations deputy division chief.
“My role was to facilitate intelligence support across all CSpOC mission areas and coordinate between the C2 centers to provide leadership a full scope for planning and decision-making throughout the exercise.”
The successful participation of operational C2 centers in Space Flag 25-1 marks a new era in space operations training.
The exercise demonstrated the value of including C2 centers as full players in large-scale exercises, and it is likely that this approach will be adopted in future exercises.
“Space Flag provided a unique opportunity to identify both differences and similarities between our center-level planning process which led to a new combined approach between our centers for order generation,” said Maj. Christopher Barton, CSpOC Future Operations deputy division chief.
“Upon conclusion of the exercise, although different in approach, both centers were able to operate together and replicate joint planning effectively to better meet S4S priorities moving forward.”
As the USSF continues to grow and mature, the inclusion of Operational C2 centers in exercises like Space Flag will play a critical role in shaping the force and preparing it for the challenges of the future.
By exercising operational-level planning and execution skills in a realistic and dynamic environment, the USSF can ensure that it is equipped to protect and defend U.S. interests in space.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4023267/operational-c2-centers-take-center-stage-in-space-flag-25-1/
Major Earthquake and Storm, BIG Science News
Jan.7.2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEvsEpjqNYs
https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
Flying Lion Announces over 50,000 Drone as First Responder (DFR) Flights Flown
Jan 07, 2025, 08:47 ET
REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Drone service provider, Flying Lion, Inc., is proud to announce a major Drone as First Responder (DFR) milestone when the organization reached 55,773 DFR flights by the end of 2024 – of which over 35,000 were flown Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS.) DFR programs enable the immediate dispatch of a drone from a fixed location in response to a 911 call for real-time aerial situational awareness in advance of and to support ground units to enhance community and first responder safety.
The first DFR program was started by the Chula Vista Police Department in 2018, and DFR programs have expanded to over 30 communities nationwide.
With drones arriving on-scene 74% of the time before ground units arrive, these DFR programs are helping both small and large municipalities keep their communities and first responders safer.
"DFR programs save lives!" said Chief Charles Werner, founder of DRONERESPONDERS, "Flying Lion is a true leader in the DFR space, not only advocating for DFR adoption nationally but also working with individual communities to develop their own DFR programs."
Supporting over half of the DFR Programs nationwide, Flying Lion is proud to partner with the following leading DFR vendors for both operations and training:
AirData UAV, Airspace Link, Axon Air, AVSS, BRINC Drones, DJI, DroneSense, Flock Aerodome, Hextronics, MatrixSpace, Motorola CAPE, Nokia Drone Networks, Skydio, TruWeather Solutions, uAvionix, and VOTIX.
"We expect DFR programs will more than double in 2025 – and we're well positioned to provide the FAA Regulatory services for BVLOS approvals along with DFR consulting, DFR Tactics Training, and operational expertise," said Barry Brennan, Flying Lion President & Founder.
"We're proud to partner with the leading DFR software and hardware providers who built the enabling technology – these DFR programs are keeping community members, first responders, and even suspects safer every day."
Flying Lion is committed to supporting DFR programs through FAA regulatory consulting, training, staffing, dock installation & maintenance, and equipment leasing – all of which are needed to enable communities to develop, implement, and support their own tailored DFR program.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flying-lion-announces-over-50-000-drone-as-first-responder-dfr-flights-flown-302343908.html
Sioux City City Council approves drone purchase for SCPD
Updated: Jan 7, 2025 / 11:23 AM CST
The Sioux City Police Department will soon be able to rely on a new piece of surveillance equipment.
At the Monday night Sioux City City Council meeting, the council approved the purchase of a $25,000 drone for the department.
“One of the great advantages of these drones is again in the imagery and that we can get these drones up during a critical incident and give officers and command real-time information to make decisions to keep officers safe by locating potentially armed suspects faster and to keep the public safe as well,” said Lt. Jeremy McClure with the SCPD.
The Skydio x10 drone is known for delivering the highest quality thermal imaging and includes advanced AI features.
The Skidio company is based in San Mateo, California. It is identified as the largest drone manufacturer in the U.S. with more than 40,000 drones built.
McClure said that the drone will arrive in next few months.
https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/local-news/sioux-city-city-council-approves-drone-purchase-for-scpd/
Nevada Law Restricts Public Safety Agencies from Using DJI Drones, Limits Drone as First Responder Applications
January 6, 2025
New UAV Regulations, Effective January 1, 2025
Nevada Senate Bill 11 (SB11), effective January 1, 2025, places new restrictions on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by public agencies and law enforcement.
The law prohibits the purchase or operation of drones and related equipment from certain entities, including those flagged by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for national security reasons.
This includes drones manufactured by the world’s largest drone manufacturer, DJI, identified by the DoD as a Chinese military company. DJI denies any ties to the Chinese military.
Key Regulations in SB11
Prohibited Sources for Drones and Equipment
The law mandates that Nevada’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) establish lists of countries, businesses, and entities from which public safety agencies cannot purchase or operate drones or related equipment.
These lists must include:
Entities identified by the DoD under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which currently includes DJI.
Any vendors or services prohibited by Nevada’s IT security policies.
Designed to align with federal guidelines aimed at addressing cybersecurity and national security risks, the law could have a significant impact on public safety agencies.
Law Enforcement and Public Agency Use
SB11 sets strict limits on when and how drones can be used:
Law enforcement must obtain a court warrant to use drones for evidence collection in areas where privacy is expected. Warrants are valid for 10 days and can be renewed upon showing probable cause.
Drones can be used without a warrant in emergencies, such as search and rescue operations, imminent threats to safety, or during state-declared emergencies.
Public agencies may operate drones only for specific purposes like fire services, emergency medical services, and protecting critical facilities.
Agencies must register their drones with the DPS and cannot use them for law enforcement investigations or criminal prosecutions. The text of SB11 explicitly states:
“A public agency … must not operate an unmanned aerial vehicle for the purposes of assisting a law enforcement agency with law enforcement or conducting a criminal prosecution.”
While it’s unclear what “assisting a law enforcement agency with law enforcement” includes, it would appear to limit the use of drones in Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs.
Privacy and Evidence Restrictions
SB11 includes multiple privacy provisions that could limit law enforcement use of drones.
Drones operated during inspections must not collect photographs, recordings, or other data.
If such data is collected, it cannot be used in legal or administrative proceedings unless it pertains directly to the inspection.
Additionally, any information obtained unlawfully by drones is inadmissible and cannot serve as the basis for further investigations.
Impact on DJI and Other Manufacturers
The inclusion of DJI drones on the prohibited list aligns Nevada with federal concerns about the security risks of using foreign-manufactured drones in sensitive operations.
The DoD’s designation of DJI as a Chinese military company has prompted similar restrictions in other states and agencies. While DJI disputes this designation, Nevada’s law reflects growing caution in the US regarding foreign drone technology.
However, DJI drones are still a majority in public safety programs around the country. Some stakeholders fear that limiting DJI use could lead to fewer public safety agencies utilizing drone technology.
On the other hand, US-based manufacturers are working to close the gap in functionality – and proponents of limiting Chinese-manufactured drones say that in addition to security concerns, the move will create a more level playing field for US drone makers to compete.
SB11 represents a significant shift in how Nevada’s public agencies and law enforcement use drones, and public safety agencies will have to adapt both their procurement and operational practices to comply with the new law.
https://dronelife.com/2025/01/06/nevada-law-restricts-public-safety-agencies-from-using-dji-drones-limits-drone-as-first-responder-applications/
https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/82nd2023/Bill/9515/Overview
Pentagon blacklists Chinese drone maker Autel Robotics
Jan 7 2025 - 11:20 am PT
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has updated its list of Chinese companies alleged to have connections with China’s military, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The most notable new name on the list for DroneDJ readers is Autel Robotics.
The DoD’s list, mandated under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act, identifies foreign companies deemed to have affiliations with foreign military forces.
Inclusion on this list does not immediately impose legal or economic sanctions but serves as a warning to US organizations about the risks of engaging with such companies.
It can also lead to increased scrutiny from US government agencies, potential restrictions on transactions or investments, and challenges in accessing American technologies.
It’s worth pointing out that the US Commerce Department added Autel Robotics to its Entity List last year due to national security concerns.
This earlier designation subjected the company to export restrictions and specific licensing requirements for certain technologies and goods.
Autel’s response to US DoD blacklist
Autel Robotics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has been recognized for producing impressive consumer and professional drones. The company has denied any links to the Chinese military.
In a statement, Autel emphasizes its focus on the civilian drone market, saying, “Autel Robotics is not a defense contractor nor a supplier to the military and has never participated in any military-related activities.”
The company also expresses its commitment to clarifying the “misunderstanding” with US authorities, stating, “Since its establishment, Autel Robotics has always strictly adhered to both Chinese and international laws and regulations, focusing on the development of the civil market.
The company has never participated in any military-related activities and firmly rejects the improper use of its products.”
Nevertheless, the inclusion of Autel Robotics in both the Entity List and the Section 1260H list reflects the US government’s ongoing efforts to address national security concerns related to Chinese technology firms.
This move aligns with actions taken against other Chinese companies, such as DJI.
DJI is currently contesting its “Chinese Military Company” tag through legal action.
https://dronedj.com/2025/01/07/autel-robotics-drone-blacklist-us/
https://www.autelrobotics.com/news/20250107/
Possible drones spotted in Englewood
Updated: January 6, 2025
Neighbors in Englewood, North Port, and Venice are puzzled about what could be in the sky. Some say it’s two planes close to each other. Others say it’s drones.
The two objects were spotted in the sky numerous times last week, with some having different opinions on what they actually are and what they saw.
There’s a sight in the sky that is stirring up people, all across the country. The question of drones has captured the attention of the nation.
The sightings started back in November 2024 across the northeast.
“One relative in Massachusetts had seen them directly. My sister Pennsylvania and her daughter, my niece, had seen him in rural Pennsylvania,” Camilla Shearer, an Englewood resident said.
Now, possible drone sightings have been seen in Englewood, Venice, and North Port areas.
“At first, I assumed that they were planes. They were quite close together, flying simultaneously, very slowly, above the area, flashing white lights in the front on both propellers on both vehicles.
The air vehicles had lights, flashing red lights in the back no noise, no humming, no buzzing, completely silent and just traversed quite slowly through the sky and disappeared. That was about it,” Shearer said.
Others say the objects made sound and were clearly planes.
The sky-high sightings landed in an Englewood community Facebook post. Dozens commented, debating whether the two objects in the sky were planes or drones.
“I didn’t pay much mind until the next day. I saw a posting that other people had seen the same thing and suspected that they might be drones as well,” Shearer said.
One drone expert, the CEO of Drone Training School, James Toben, told WINK News he believes they are drones after seeing the pictures. He explained exactly how you can tell.
“They’re very tiny. They’re very slim. One thing that the drone can do is that they are super quiet versus an airplane, that their engines are too loud. Airplanes don’t fly that close together.
They have some regulations that they need to follow in order not to crash in the air,” Toben said.
Both the Sarasota and Charlotte Sheriff’s Offices say they have not gotten any reports. Venice Police have not responded to our inquiry.
The Federal Aviation Administration told WINK News, that generally speaking, it is legal to fly a drone if you are operating under 400 feet.
“Usually the red lights are in the front. That way you know if the drone is looking at you, if you see green lights on the drone, that means the drone is flying away from you,” Toben said.
“I feel that it’s invasive and someone knows something and should report it to the public. I certainly would like to know who is responsible for them, if they are drones, and why?” Shearer said.
Questions still remain on who has eyes in the sky.
It’s not clear whether these were drones or planes. If you spot what you think is a drone, report it to the Federal Aviation Administration.
https://winknews.com/2025/01/06/possible-drones-spotted-in-englewood/
Drones 'next point of attack' for terrorists
9:24am Jan 7, 2025
In the wake of the New Orleans terror attack, Palm Beach County is bolstering its defences.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw warns that as police harden traditional targets, terrorists may pivot to new tactics – specifically drones.
"The next point of attack will probably be the drones," said Bradshaw.
Bradshaw says he has implemented some new protections around Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Club and stresses his teams and the Secret Service are already able to dismantle any drones that fly over either place.
Bradshaw says it's not just airspace that demands attention—he's also urging the local business community to keep its eyes open on the ground.
A key focus is training staff at hotels, rental car agencies, and other service providers to recognise red flags—because one tip could stop the next attack.
The program is called B-Pat – "Business Partners Against Terrorism." Bradshaw says it works.
"And the hotels, we've actually had some hotels call us. The desk clerk says 'The guy in room so-and-so, he's acting strange, there's a lot of traffic'," he said.
"We solve some human trafficking cases because of that. So, there's a lot of people seeing a lot of things, and they shouldn't hesitate to call it in because it may be part of the puzzle we're looking for."
Bradshaw calls it a cornerstone of "See Something, Say Something," a campaign he's renewing to make sure no tip slips through the cracks.
"How many times have we seen not just a terrorist event, but a mass shooting at either a school or a business or someplace where there's a lot of people that afterwards somebody says, 'Well, I figured that was going to happen,'" he said.
"Well, if you figured it was going to happen, why didn't you tell somebody?" Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw says you should not feel shy about calling in a concern – and he reassures you they won't go up to the person and alert them you called – instead, they may conduct a background check or do some online surveillance.
He plans to restart the B-Pat program in the next few weeks.
https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-sheriff-says-drones-will-be-next-terrorist-weapons-of-mass-destruction/6e9b0c72-3ce8-41e2-b15a-0c13ebcf72af
Personal drone ban partly lifted by UAE authorities
January 07, 2025
A ban on people in the UAE flying drones has been partly lifted, the Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday.
Coming into effect immediately, the authority, along with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and General Civil Aviation Authority, noted that the use of drones will be subject to specific safety conditions aimed at protecting the community and airspace.
Detailed guidelines and requirements for drone use are available through the UAE Drones app and the official government website, the announcement added.
The first phase of the removal of restrictions came into force in November, applying to companies and government agencies.
“This plan prioritises the safety of airspace and ensures the protection of society, individuals and property,” the ministry said in a statement at the time.
Why were drones banned?
The ban was introduced in January 2022, after a series of attempted attacks on Abu Dhabi by the Yemen-based Houthis.
Restrictions on the use of aerial drones and light sports aircraft were then extended until further notice by the Ministry of Interior.
Companies with essential commercial projects were advised at the time to apply to the authority to ask for an exemption.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/01/07/drone-ban-lifted-individuals/
https://mobile.twitter.com/moiuae/status/1876681669375053997
Viral UFO Crash Video in Arizona Debunked Amid Ongoing Alien Speculation
January 7, 2025
A video showing a UFO crash in Arizona became viral on social media on January 6, 2025.
The video was first posted on Instagram by a user named Sybervisions_ and soon became viral on several social media platforms, including X.
The 78-second video shows people in protective suits carefully checking out an object while discussing among themselves and taking pictures.
The people seemed to be working for the United States Government, and the perimeter of the whole area was guarded by yellow tape. The object that the team was analyzing was circular in shape and jade-coloured.
The particular Instagram video has already amassed 2,411,000 likes, with most of the discussions centered on the legitimacy of the video.
Viral UFO Crash Video in Arizona Exposed as Fake
However, the truth was out soon after, and the video is fake and AI-generated. This is not the first time that a video concerning a UFO had become viral, but those too were fake and AI-generated as well.
Arizona has a long history of UFO sightings, and in a report by media outlet Irish Star on August 8, 2024, an unidentified object reportedly crashed in Arizona a day before.
The media outlet sourced the information from leaked documents.
The first mention of the UFO was in May 1953, when a UFO landed outside Kingman, close to Route 66. According to government sources, the US captured it after a chase when the UFO crashed.
On Sunday, December 22, 2024, a video went viral on social media when a UFO was filmed from a window of a United Airlines flight from Tampa to Newark.
The six-second video shows a UFO that was shaped like a triangle and had green lights flashing from its back, flying close to the aircraft.
The video managed to rake in millions of views but was ultimately proved fake and was AI-generated.
This was also confirmed by X’s Community Notes, which stated that the video’s maker (@fiendcore) had identified it as TikTok AI-generated.
https://www.uniquenewsonline.com/viral-ufo-crash-video-in-arizona/
Florida man claims alien abduction after nude carjacking attempt with knife
13:49 ET, JAN 6 2025
A Florida man reportedly told members of the Palm Beach police department that he had been abducted by aliens and that he wanted to die after they arrested him for attempting to steal a car while completely nude.
Authorities stated that Jean Rene Mathias, 34, was arrested on New Year's Eve when he attempted to steal the car of a friend.
Police who were responding to the call stated that Mathias was caught outside of a residence around 5:30 p.m. on the holiday by a witness who stated that the man wielded a large knife and was carving his initials into the side of a car.
A probable cause affidavit released by police stated that the incident happened outside a home near the intersection of Willow Road and Riddle Road in West Palm Beach.
Deputies added that, in addition to his initials, Mathias also carved several pictures and symbols on the vehicle's exterior.
The owner of the car — who reportedly knew the man — said that when he came out, Mathias demanded the keys to the vehicle while threatening the man with his knife, CBS affiliate WPEC reported.
When the victim attempted to retreat, it was stated that Mathias followed him prompting the man to make a break for his home where he was able to shut and lock his door.
The man said that when Mathias was unable to enter the home, he went back to disfiguring the car and even punctured the tires.
Police, who arrived at the scene shortly after, later stated that they found Mathias completely naked in the driveway of the home.
Mathias reportedly told police that he wanted to die because he had been abducted by aliens. The owner of the car later told deputies that he had never seen the man act this way.
PBSO booked Mathias into Palm Beach County Jail on counts of attempted carjacking with a weapon and criminal mischief over $1,000.
During an appearance in court on Friday, a judge signed an order for the man to be placed under house arrest and ordered that he undergo a mental health evaluation before being released from custody.
https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/florida-man-claims-alien-abduction-893980
'Alien Ship' Or Just Another ‘Rare’ Natural Phenomenon? Strange Viral Video Intrigues Internet
Updated Jan 7, 2025, 15:56 IST
It seems like the headlines are ‘finding it difficult’ to get rid of aliens and news related to the same, as yet another eerie video is doing rounds on social media.
For those not aware, just a few days ago, discussions among alien conspiracy theorists went off the charts after a video was shared online.
The clip showed some weird ‘human-like’ figures standing ‘above the clouds’. The video was recorded by a passenger flying onboard a flight.
The matter was hardly out of the minds of people when another clip began to go viral.
The latest one did not have ‘people’ in places they were not supposed to be, but it surely showed a cloud that was strange enough to raise speculations.
The clip showed a huge cloud formation that looked a bit too round, resting just above a building. As soon as the clip went viral, people began to compare it with UFOs.
Times Now could not confirm the date, location and authenticity of the incident.
The video was shared on X (formerly Twitter), by the handle ‘Demo2020cracy’. The clip was shared 4 days ago and pulled more than 14K views from people.
The clip was quick to go viral, as most people found it intriguing. Many also came forward with their own speculations and theories- as always.
A few also tried to explain the phenomenon to provide an explanation of the same. Amid all this, the good old ‘chem-trail’ conspiracy also resurfaced.
For those not aware, as per the believers of the ‘chem-trail’ conspiracy theory, the trails that aircraft leave behind, are ‘chemicals’ being used for ‘nefarious’ purposes.
“And they always have a name,” a user wrote, as they talked about how every unnatural cloud formation- despite being ‘new’- has some kind of ‘explanation’ over it.
“Whoa Nelly…that is scary,” added a second person, who called the incident ‘scary’. “It's not abnormal if you point 'Ground UHF Aerials' at the Chem Trails.
Depending on the frequency of sound waves which changes the clouds, you can make pretty patterns. They then tell us this is global warming and they have another tax for that?” added another.
“Are they trying to pretend they're god?” added another.
https://www.timesnownews.com/viral/alien-ship-or-just-another-rare-natural-phenomenon-strange-viral-video-intrigues-internet-watch-article-117022494
Researchers Find 'Alien Mummies' That Were Hidden for Over a Millennium, Fingertips Scan Confirmed They Were Not Human
January 6, 2025
'Mummies' uncovered in Peru by experts in 2017 continue to captivate extraterrestrial aficionados even today. The intrigue started when one of the figures, María, had her fingerprints scanned and it turned out to be non-human, LADBible reported. Recent examinations of Maria indicate that despite certain human characteristics, anatomically her identity remains inconclusive. She was dated somewhere between 240 A.D. and 383 A.D. Researchers looked into Maria and determined that she had no hair or ears, and sported only ear canals. Since Maria's revelation, UFO aficionados have claimed that the mummies are part of a huge secret stash of evidence hidden from the world because of their alien origin, while experts continue to assert they are typical human mummies. Two more bodies have recently been uncovered from the site, which has further perplexed the experts.
The findings have been nicknamed 'Nazca mummies' by experts after the site where they were found. The 'mummies' were discovered by UFO-logist Jaime Maussan. Researchers have recently unearthed two mummies named 'Paloma' and 'Antonio' that could belong to this group. The two new figures, like the previous findings known as 'alien mummies,' have three fingers. Researchers noted that the two new creatures had small, slanted eyes which were not observed in the 'Nazca mummies.' Paloma and Antonio were also found to be of the size of 'a short adult.' Dr. David Ruiz Vela, the former president of Peru's Medical Association, analyzed the pair and found several human-like characteristics.
Knewz.com noted that Paloma and Antonio had human-like organs and a brain structure. Furthermore, a stab wound was also located on Antonio's chest. "He has a stab that broke his ribs on the left side of his chest, penetrating the chest, abdomen, liver and completely perforating him inside," Dr Vela explained. Paloma was also unearthed with body hair, which is unusual for mummies. "This is the first time we've found a dried body with hair, hair with copper-colored characteristics," Dr. Vela added. As per analysis, Paloma lived for around 60 years.
The pair was estimated to be 1,500 years old. Experts think the mummies were fossilized with a compound, which was a combination of algae and a highly toxic adhesive. The material was the reason why the pair was preserved in such a pristine condition. The fact that astounded the researchers was, that the 'material' used for these two creatures was not typically applied for mummification in those times. Researchers asserted that the facial features and size of the two mummies were distinct from the creatures unearthed by Maussan.
Recently, researchers made another breakthrough discovery in 'Nazca Mummies' by finding something very unique nestled in one specimen's body, as per Daily Mail. Experts reportedly removed a 'light metal' implant from the palm of one particular mummy. "It is a very complex metal alloy that requires special knowledge and techniques to be able to achieve it with such quality and purity," Mexican Navy forensic doctor, Dr. Jose Zalce Benitez stated. "It was possible to identify elements such as aluminum, tin, silver, copper, cadmium, and osmium among others in smaller quantities and percentages," Dr Zalce added. Researchers hope this new revelation will give them more clues regarding this uncanny group's identity.
https://knewz.com/world/researchers-find-alien-mummies-that-were-hidden-for-over-a-millennium-fingertips-scan-confirmed-they-were-not-human/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZPDhPeQnRY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICafSa_JXs4
https://www.youtube.com/@JaimeMaussan1