Night Sky Drone Guide

12/16/2024— With the increase in public interest surrounding Unmanned Aircraft sightings in and around Lancaster County, HazMat 2 Environmental Fire Rescue is looking to share guidance on recognizing aerial objects and to clarify some common misconceptions and aid in effectively reporting Unmanned Aircraft sightings at night. 

1. Stay Calm and Observe Carefully: If you spot something unusual in the sky, remain calm. Take note of details such as the object’s movement, size, and any lights you may see. Stars, planets, or distant manned aircraft have or appear as blinking lights, which can be mistaken for drones.
2. Beware of Nighttime Illusions: Nighttime can cause visual distortions. For example, bright lights may appear closer than they really are, or distant objects may appear to hover. Make sure you're not confusing a drone with a distant plane or a weather balloon. Drones typically move more erratically than other aerial objects.
3. Take Notes: Write down the time, location, and direction of the object. Try to capture any other unique features like the color of the lights or the shape. Drones may have colored lights, which can help distinguish them from other flying objects.
4. Record Video or Photos (If Safe): If you can do so safely, try to capture video or photographs of the sighting. This can be helpful for identification and follow-up investigations. Make sure to avoid obstructing your line of sight, and do not put yourself in harm's way.
5. Avoid Rushing to Conclusions: Sometimes, objects in the sky can create illusions, especially when lighting is dim. Aircraft in the distance, meteors, or even the weather can sometimes appear similar to drones. Be cautious of jumping to conclusions until further information is available.
6. Use of Aircraft Identification Sites: While websites like Flightradar24.com  are helpful in tracking manned aircraft, not all manned aircraft are required to have Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders, which is the technology used to track and display aircraft locations. Many small, private, or older aircraft, as well as military or government planes, may not be equipped with ADS-B, and thus will not be visible on online tracking platforms. This means that even if an aircraft is flying overhead, it may not appear on real-time tracking websites.
7. Use a Reference: If possible, compare the object’s movement to known landmarks or the horizon to help determine its altitude and speed. Drones typically fly at lower altitudes and have more erratic movements than other aircraft.
8. Report to the Right Authorities: When you’re ready to report the sighting, contact local authorities. Provide them with as much detail as possible, including the time, location, direction, and appearance of the object. Please consider using online reporting tools and non-emergency numbers, and only call 911 for life-endangering emergencies.