Former NASA astronaut reports sighting of mysterious metal balls

According to the report, former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao reported seeing two unidentified objects while piloting his private plane in August 2024. The incident occurred at 9,000 feet during a flight from Colorado to Houston.

Chiao described the objects as metallic spheres about a meter in diameter. He claimed that the UAPs flew within 20 feet of his aircraft. “It could have been a bad result if they had actually beaten me,” Chiao told NewsNation. “It happened so quickly that there wasn’t even a chance to get scared.”

Neither radar nor Chiao’s cockpit transponder detected the objects. Air traffic control also reported no other aircraft in the area. “I don’t know what it was,” Chiao said, calling the experience “mysterious” and “disturbing.”

Chiao suspects that the bullets could be part of a military program. “At first glance it seems to me like some kind of military program, our military,” he said. “And if that’s not the case, then it gets a little scarier.”

Recent UAP sightings have sparked concern and speculation. Reports have increased over the past month, particularly in the northeastern United States, with numerous incidents occurring in New Jersey. Chiao’s comments came amid a spate of mysterious drone sightings in the US. Numerous drone sightings over New Jersey and the eastern United States are being investigated. Since mid-November, witnesses have reported seeing drones across New Jersey, including near the Picatinny Arsenal and future President Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.

The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, FAA and Defense Department are investigating about 100 credible drone sightings from more than 5,000 reports across the country in recent weeks. The FAA has temporarily restricted drone flights in 22 critical infrastructure areas in New Jersey until January 17 at the request of federal safety authorities.

Despite public concern, officials say there is no evidence of a threat to national security or public safety. Many sightings have been identified as legitimate drones, other aircraft or even stars. President Joe Biden said: “There appears to be nothing nefarious about the flying objects.”

Despite these assurances, some lawmakers want stricter drone regulations and the ability to shoot them down. Online speculation suggests possible involvement of foreign or U.S. governments. Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said it was unlikely the drones would be involved in intelligence gathering “given their volume and brightness,” adding that the Defense Department does not use them. He also denied the involvement of military contractors, saying: “There are no military operations, no military drone or experimental operations taking place in this corridor.”