The Truth Behind Low-Flying Planes Over Northeast Missouri

If you've seen bright-colored low-flying planes over northeast Missouri recently, you're not alone. Most don't appear on radar which has caused many to question what's going on. Thanks to an explanation from Missouri law enforcement, we now know what's been happening.

Many have seen planes that appear red and white and orange and white over northeast Missouri recently

The questions about what these planes are and what they're doing has just been answered by the Lewis County Sheriff's Department on Facebook.

In case you can't read the small print on your device, here's a snippet of what the USGS said in a press release:

"The U.S. Geological Survey plans low-level airplane flights over a broad region in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin to image geology using airborne geophysical technology. The survey will begin this month and take approximately a year to complete, weather and wildfire restrictions permitting."

The USGS went on to elaborate on what these planes will accomplish with their mission:

“Earth MRI is mapping the critical minerals needed to drive the U.S. economy and bolster national security. Partnering with the state geological surveys of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin helps with the work of the nation -- and adds to state knowledge crucial to the resource economy, as well as water resources, and natural hazards,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth MRI.

There you go. Mystery solved. Now, if you see a low-flying plane especially with these odd color combinations, you can rest easy knowing they're just studying the Earth and not spying on you.