The internet was abuzz this week after the UFO Institute published a UFO sighting over Bayville, New Jersey. The video shows three bright lights floating in unison in the sky. At first, they thought they were drones, but when they never returned to earth they realized, those were no drones.
So what was it that these sky gazers at the Jersey Shore saw this weekend? Was it really a UFO from another planet or is there some other explanation.
Perhaps YouTube commenter Justin Lance summed it up most eloquently, “When stoner friends see a ufo! Maybe Chinese lanterns?”
They were most likely Chinese lanterns floating in the sky. In the summertime at the Jersey Shore, it’s not uncommon to see Chinese lanterns flying above.
Did you know? Chinese lanterns are illegal in New Jersey because they pose fire risk?
In 2013, the state of New Jersey issued a bulletin reminding New Jerseyans that they are illegal.
“Sky lanterns are airborne paper lanterns that are constructed of oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame, and contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern causing the lantern to rise into the air,” the state said. “They are known to travel significant distances from the point of release. The increased marketing and use of sky lanterns throughout the country has resulted in unintentional fires caused when the unburned fuel source comes in contact with flammable or combustible materials.”
The Division of Fire Safety has determined that the use of these devices does not comply with the requirements in Chapter 3 of the Uniform Fire Code. They create a serious fire and safety hazard that includes the potential to cause an unintended fire either on or off the property of their intended release. Therefore lanterns or other similar airborne devices that use open flame to propel them are prohibited. The Division is preparing a rule proposal that will specifically address this issue. For now, N.J.A.C. 5:70-3, 308.3.2 open flame decorative devices can be cited. These devices do not comply with any of the listed conditions in this section.