Mysterious 'glowing orange orbs' seen across parts of regional NSW

Tuesday, 3 March 2026 11:49

Wild theories have emerged but an MP has set the record straight.

Wild theories have emerged as mysterious "glowing orange orbs" were seen in the sky across parts of the NSW Hunter region.

Residents north-west of Newcastle, between Singleton, Cessnock and East Maitland, reported seeing the display on Sunday night.

The lights appeared in the sky one by one and remained there before later disappearing.

Wild theories have emerged as mysterious "glowing orange orbs" were seen in the sky across parts of the NSW Hunter region.

Residents have speculated it could be anything from "aliens" to "government drones".

"Everyone should start packing their bags and run for the hills," one person said on social media.

"Wonder if this is the real reason they just made that 'Australia wide' siren that will go off on our phones," another said.

"Not sure if I should report it," a third added.

Some were even worried it may have something to do with the US-Israeli war in Iran.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has set the record straight and said the lights were part of a "totally normal" military exercise at the Singleton base.

"Look, I hate to disappoint but it wasn't ET popping into the Hunter for a cheeky wine tour," he said.

"What people were seeing were military illumination flares used during nighttime training exercises at the Singleton Base.

"They're dropped from aircraft with a small parachute attached and burn really bright for a few minutes while slowly drifting down.

"Because of the low cloud cover, the light reflects back down and makes them look like glowing orange orbs just hanging there in the sky."

The Australian Defence Force previously announced it would be conducting ground and air training exercises at the Singleton base between the hours of 8am and 11pm, starting last Wednesday February 25.

The exercises are expected to continue until December 15.

"Members of the public should not be alarmed if they hear increased activity in the area during these periods," defence said.

"This essential training is vital to maintain Australia's military capability."

The Singleton base, which covers 14,000 hectares, includes the Lone Pine Barracks and the Training Area.

It is a key army training facility where all infantry soldiers undertake their initial training and is one of the country's major live-fire and tactical training ranges.

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