Sighting in Aix-en-Provence, January 11, 1979
Bouches-du-Rhône, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Sighting on January 11, 1979 in Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône, France). GEIPAN considers the phenomenon probably identified (class B).
What happened
Two witnesses noticed about fifteen flying objects in the sky at 4:35 pm. Their apparent size was roughly 60 to 80 cm. The objects looked metallic, swirled around, and gave off flashes of light as they reflected the setting sun. They moved slowly and without any noise toward the southeast, where they eventually disappeared.
The investigation found that a weather balloon had been released the same day at noon. GEIPAN classified the case as B (probably identified): the witnesses most likely saw shreds of the balloon's gondola or envelope.
Account rewritten by SkyUnknown from the investigation report published by GEIPAN (CNES). The original text and case documents are on the official record.
- Date
- January 11, 1979
- Location
- Aix-en-Provence · town centre
- Type of sighting
- From the ground
- Source classification
- B
Sources
- See the original document
GEIPAN (CNES)
n° 1979-01-01845
Summary written by SkyUnknown from the facts published by the source.