Even in today’s age of high-resolution cameras, satellite surveillance, and around-the-clock communication, there are still some events that cannot be fully explained.
There are numerous unexplained occurrences that have taken place within the last several decades, and though many people have heard of them, they likely don’t know the details.
These modern mysteries exhibit characteristics of multiple types of unidentified phenomena, including unidentified lights, aerial object sightings, or patterns of light captured on video. The list of ten modern sightings below contains events that have yet to be fully explained.
1. The “Dorito-Shaped” Aircraft Over Area 51
In January 2026, a videographer filmed a triangular-shaped craft flying over Nevada’s Area 51 base at night.
The craft was “Dorito” shaped, had no visible wings, was unlike any identifiable military aircraft, and moved in ways that were unexplainable and not compatible with known aviation patterns.
This sighting, which has never been positively identified by the military or anyone else, continues to exist as a mystery and is subject to varying explanations for the irregularities of the craft and potential military testing or secrecy.
2. Silver Cylinder Next to a Plane Over Rhode Island
A private pilot in Rhode Island saw a silver cylinder hovering at 3500 feet near their plane.
This heartfelt engagement was recorded on air traffic control’s audio, and the object’s movement was unlike any known aircraft or balloon.
Aviation authorities could not provide an explanation for this incident.
3. Intense Lights in Patagonia Caught on Camera
In the Patagonian region of Chile, wildlife cameras captured strange glowing objects in the sky at night.
The lights descended, which perplexed both scientists and government officials because no existing explanation could be found for this occurrence, either in the atmosphere or animal activity.
Additionally, although rigorous scientific methods of measuring the camera traps were used, an explanation has yet to be found for what caused these lights; there are several theories regarding the source of the lights: a freak plasma event or some type of unknown supernatural light.
4. Thousands of Unidentified Submersible Objects
Crowdsourced data from reporting applications revealed the presence of over 9,000 unidentified objects observed surrounding United States coastlines, both above and below water.
The displayed clusters were frequently located near the coast; further, they cannot be attributed to any identified aircraft, surface vessels, or natural phenomena for an explanation.
Additionally, even though there have been attempts to track the unidentified objects, much of their identities remain unknown.
5. Unusual Drone Sightings Over German Infrastructure
In northern Germany, officials saw unidentified drones flying over key sites (power plants, shipyards).
They flew in formation when no flights were scheduled.
Authorities are increasing defense monitoring, but currently, we have not been told from where these drones are coming/why they are flying or who owns them, all of which remain a mystery in such a highly monitored airspace.
6. Strange Metal Sphere Investigated as Possible UFO
In Colombia, scientists investigated a strange metal sphere thought to be an alien craft.
The object had no apparent welds, three layers of metal, and an odd internal design.
While some believe that it’s art or rubbish, others don’t know what it is or where it came from.
7. Surge of Unexplained Aerial Objects in New York Skies
In 2025, more than 60 unidentified flying objects (UFOs) were reported across New York State. The sightings of UFOs ranged from green orbs to very bright white objects moving in an erratic manner.
There were numerous witnesses to these sightings, including several reports of helicopters attempting to chase down these objects, and the mystery surrounding these objects has not yet been solved.
There has been no definitive explanation for what these lights and objects were.
8. Mysterious Global Atmospheric Ghost Lights
Reports from all over the world are still coming in about light sources in parts of the world that cannot be explained by either natural causes or man-made objects.
These lights may occur over wide open areas, such as in desert regions, and leave scientists and researchers puzzled about how they occur and what causes them to shine.
Researchers continue to examine these lighting phenomena, but the number of unexplained lights continues to grow larger every year.
9. Pilot Sightings That Defy Standard Identification
Aero researchers and pilots have observed unknown aerial phenomena that differ from what is normally attributed to a registered aircraft.
There are instances where pilots have encountered objects that have moved in ways aircraft cannot replicate and subjectively classified those events as anomalous without knowing the cause of them.
There is a significant ongoing debate regarding both aviation safety and unidentified phenomena.
10. Unexplained Camera-Recorded Events Worldwide
There have been many camera-taped events in various areas, including strange lights, unrecognizable figures, and unusual things on tape or in pictures.
They are unexplained after attempted analysis.
They do not match up with any type of normal person, satellite, or case of natural light, and investigators have no definitive conclusion, keeping them as modern-day mysteries.
Born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ever since I was a little girl, my imagination knew no bounds. I remember vividly how I’d scribble down short stories, each page bursting with adventures and characters conjured up from the whimsy of my mind. These stories weren’t just for me; they were my way of connecting with my friends, offering them a slice of my fantasy world during our playtimes. The joy and excitement on their faces as we dived into my fictional realms motivated me to keep writing. This early passion for storytelling naturally evolved into my pursuit of writing, turning a childhood hobby into a fulfilling career.