New York state has seen an uptick in Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings during the first half of 2025, according to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC). The center documented 66 distinct incidents between January and late June, providing a detailed account of the various types of sightings reported by residents. These incidents included a diverse array of aerial objects, ranging from glowing orbs and silent triangles to fast-moving disks and shape-shifting lights. The sightings were spread across both urban and rural areas, with multiple reports coming from towns such as Chester, Ridge, and Evans Mills, which is located near a military base.
The NUFORC, which was founded in 1974 by UFO investigator Robert J. Gribble, has been recording UAP sightings globally for over five decades. Its primary function is to receive, record, and document reports from individuals who have witnessed unusual, potentially UFO-related events. The most common shapes reported were orbs, spheres, and triangles, with many witnesses noting advanced maneuvers such as sharp right-angle turns, sudden accelerations, and zigzagging flight paths. One particularly vivid incident took place on March 25, 2025, in Chester when a witness described seeing two fast-moving white orbs flying in close formation. Midway through their trajectory, the objects executed a sharp 90-degree turn, transforming into dark, aerodynamic ovals before disappearing into the night. The witness initially believed the objects to be birds but was left baffled by their unusual speed and synchronized motion.
Additional reports mentioned the possibility of other explanations, such as drones, aircraft, fireworks, or even the International Space Station, but the majority of entries remained open and unexplained. The peak in activity was observed in April through June, aligning with warmer months that typically encourage outdoor observations. Another noteworthy incident occurred on June 24, 2025, during a commercial flight approaching New York City. A passenger seated in 1A reported witnessing a metallic ball flying in the opposite direction, roughly 100 to 200 feet below the aircraft. The object was described as a perfectly round, shiny sphere that caught the passenger’s eye due to its metallic gleam. The witness noted that the object did not resemble a balloon or stationary object, and it moved steadily away from the aircraft before being reported to the pilots upon landing. However, the pilots did not confirm their sighting, leaving the witness convinced of the object’s extraordinary nature.
Some of the reports included photographic or video evidence, although the NUFORC has not released these materials to the public. The phenomenon appears to be statewide, with hot spots in urban centers like New York City as well as multiple reports from smaller towns. While some speculate about military or governmental involvement, particularly in areas near defense installations, the NUFORC maintains that its primary role is to collect and document sightings without offering definitive explanations. The continued influx of UAP reports highlights the growing public interest in these phenomena and the need for further investigation and transparency.