The first sighting was at a military site in New Jersey, then the phenomenon spread into neighboring states. Government assurances that most “drones” were not drones at all have not tamped down curiosity.

While the FAA has restricted airspace access for drones over much of New Jersey, it’s also posted a video that might help people figure out which flying objects might be a plane, helicopter, or properly registered and authorized drone that’s just following the rules.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy has sent a drone unit out to scout the sky for unidentified aircraft.