Fighter jets scramble to examine mysterious orb over Hawaii, military officials say

A mysterious orb floating over Hawaii prompted the U.S. military to scramble fighter jets to investigate, authorities reported.

The object seen over Kauai on Monday, Feb. 14, appeared to be an unmanned balloon with no identification markings, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, Hawaii’s adjutant general, said in a series of Twitter posts.

Local officials and onlookers identified the fighter jets at F-22s, The Drive reported.

Residents said the bright white orb appeared to be stationary, Hawaii News Now reported. Some reported hearing “loud booms” and speculated the military had shot it down.

Military officials said they did not fire on the object, according to the publication. They are continuing to track the orb.

This story was originally published February 20, 2022 at 12:22 PM with the headline "Fighter jets scramble to examine mysterious orb over Hawaii, military officials say."