Mystery Orb Over Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock—Real UFO or CGI Trick?

In 2011, a glowing orb was filmed descending directly over Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock—then, in a blink, it shot straight into the sky. The videos that surfaced felt like a UFO researcher’s dream: crystal-clear footage from multiple angles, perfect movement, and one of the world’s most sacred sites as the backdrop.

The internet lit up. Was this finally the proof? A real craft caught over one of the holiest locations on Earth?

Or was it just a little too perfect?

The Footage

At least four separate videos showed the same thing: a white orb hovering silently over the golden dome in the early morning hours. It hovers for a few seconds, then flashes upward with startling speed. The object’s behavior—approach, pause, then vertical acceleration—mirrors classic UFO patterns described in reports for decades.

The fact that the clips came from different perspectives gave it instant credibility. It didn’t feel like one person’s hoax—it felt like something bigger.

The Doubts

But scrutiny came fast.

Video analysts pointed out inconsistencies in the lighting and reflections. For such a bright orb, there was no visible light bouncing off the dome below. Some angles showed camera artifacts consistent with post-production effects. Others noted the object didn’t cast shadows or interact with the environment in any measurable way.

And the biggest red flag?

No eyewitnesses ever came forward.

Despite being one of the most visited and monitored locations on Earth, no tourists, worshippers, or guards reported seeing the orb in real time. No official reports. No independent footage beyond the handful that went viral.

It looked good—but it felt… constructed.

Still a Mystery

Over a decade later, the Dome of the Rock orb remains one of the most controversial UFO clips ever posted. Many believe it’s an elaborate CGI experiment that took off because of its emotional setting and cinematic design. Others hold onto the idea that it’s real—an intentional display, or perhaps a warning, over one of humanity’s most sacred landmarks.

Even if it was a hoax, it taught the UFO community something important: sometimes, the best-looking “evidence” deserves the most skepticism.

Have you caught strange light phenomena over a major landmark or holy site? Have a video that’s never made it online? Send it to Paranormal Warehouse. We’re always watching the skies—and watching the watchers.

Sources Cited

CBS News, The Jerusalem Post, archived user-uploaded videos, independent video analysis reports