Light Hovering, Stopping and Darting? It Could Be a Drone
Drones can hover, stop dead, change direction instantly and climb straight up: exactly the kind of movement people describe as impossible for an aircraft. Most carry bright LEDs that can be white, red, green or other colours, and some light shows use hundreds at once.
What it looks like
- Low in the sky, often over houses, fields or the coast.
- Hovering, then darting or changing direction sharply.
- Coloured or blinking LEDs.
- A buzz or whine when it is close enough to hear.
- Formations of many lights forming shapes during organised drone shows.
How to check
- Listen: drones are rarely silent up close.
- Note how low it is relative to trees or buildings.
- Check whether a drone light show was scheduled nearby.
Questions
Can drones fly at night?
Yes. In many countries they must show lights at night, which is often what people notice.
How high can drones go?
Hobby drones are usually limited by law to around 120 metres (400 feet), so they appear low.