Irmo, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Irmo, South Carolina has seen a remarkable spike in UFO sightings this year, with residents reporting a total of 47 sightings. This puts Irmo on par with Myrtle Beach and the Cross community, which each reported three sightings. The ongoing interest in unidentified aerial phenomena continues to grow, influenced by recent government disclosures and cultural shifts related to UFOs. Local observations have fueled public curiosity as the National UFO Reporting Center maintains records of these unexplained occurrences over the years.
Irmo, South Carolina has reported a significant number of UFO sightings in 2023, with residents documenting a total of 47 sightings according to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC). This year, Irmo is tied with Myrtle Beach and the Cross community, each noted for reporting three sightings.
The term “UFO” is defined as any aerial phenomenon that cannot be explained, and it does not necessarily indicate the presence of aliens. Many sightings are ultimately identified as atmospheric phenomena or man-made objects by scientists and skeptics alike. However, the frequency of UFO reports persists, highlighting ongoing public interest in unexplained aerial phenomena.
The latest report in South Carolina was logged on October 6 in Sumter, where a driver noticed two orange lights hovering over a forest. An earlier sighting on September 15 involved a woman and her husband on Kiawah Island who observed a reddish-orange sphere that changed colors and shapes while it hovered in place.
A comprehensive study by myvision.org places South Carolina 22nd among U.S. states for UFO sightings since 1974, totaling 2,134 reports. Other areas experiencing two sightings each include Bluffton, Socastee, and Conway. Additionally, sightings have been reported from various locations across the state, underscoring broader public engagement with the phenomenon.
The NUFORC, which has been operational since 1974, was founded by Robert J. Gribble and has managed to process over 150,000 reports since its inception. While a Gallup survey reveals that 33% of Americans believed some UFOs were alien spacecraft in 2019, this figure increased to 41% by 2021. Cultural beliefs surrounding aliens in the United States are shifting, influenced in part by government hearings and an array of pop culture references, such as films and exhibitions dedicated to UFOs.
Recent reports indicate a resurgence of public interest in UFOs, fueled by revelations including the Pentagon’s release of military pilot videos showcasing suspected UFOs and congressional discussions concerning “nonhuman” sightings. Scientific analyses reveal that UFO sightings are frequently reported in areas with reduced light pollution, with the western United States leading in these statistics.
As of April 2025, California is recognized for having the highest total number of UFO sightings, recording over 16,500 reports.
Distribution of UFO Sightings in South Carolina, 2023
- Irmo: 3 reports
- Myrtle Beach: 3 reports
- Cross: 3 reports
- Bluffton: 2 reports
- Socastee: 2 reports
- Conway: 2 reports
- Various other locations include Latta, Gaston, Pawleys Island, Charleston, West Columbia, Georgetown, Summerville, SeaBrook Island, Bishopville, Orangeburg, Beaufort, Westminster, Loris, Spartanburg, Union, Goose Creek, Inman, Buffalo, Fripp Island, Barnwell, Garden City, Beech Island, Eastover, Cassatt, Monks Corner, Aiken, Kiawah Island, McCormick, and Sumter.
FAQ
How many UFO sightings were reported in South Carolina in 2023?
South Carolina residents have reported 47 sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in 2023 according to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC).
What areas in South Carolina had the highest number of UFO sightings?
Irmo, Myrtle Beach, and the Cross community are tied for the highest number of UFO sightings in the state this year, with each area reporting three sightings.
What does the term “UFO” refer to?
The term “UFO” refers to any aerial phenomenon that cannot be explained, not necessarily indicative of alien visitors.
Key Features of UFO Sightings in South Carolina, 2023
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Sightings | 47 |
| State Rank for Sightings | 22nd |
| Areas with Most Reports | Irmo, Myrtle Beach, Cross |
| Year of Data Collection | 2023 |
| Established NUFORC | 1974 |
| Survey on Alien Belief | 33% (2019), 41% (2021) |
| California Sightings | Over 16,500 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Stacker: Cities with Most UFO Sightings in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: UFO
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local UFO Sightings
- Google Search: UFO sightings
- Hudson Valley Post: UFO Sightings in New York
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Unidentified Flying Object
- Fox Carolina: Bright Flying Object Spotted in Upstate Skies
- Google News: UFO South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
