Sighting in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, May 18, 2012
Gard, Occitanie, France
Sighting on May 18, 2012 in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (Gard, France). GEIPAN considers the phenomenon probably identified (class B).
What happened
Two people noticed a phenomenon in a clear sky between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. One of the witnesses filmed an object as it moved, lighting up at times. The video was of poor quality, so it could not be used to estimate the object's size, distance or speed.
The investigation relied on several objective factors: a gliding airfield lay nearby, gliders are painted white, which increases the reflection of sunlight, the object's movements matched those of a glider flying in thermals, and the weather was well suited to gliding. GEIPAN concluded that the witnesses had probably seen a glider from the Avignon-Pujaut airfield, circling in a thermal, with its wings and/or fuselage intermittently reflecting the sun's rays. The case was classified B, probably identified.
Account rewritten by SkyUnknown from the investigation report published by GEIPAN (CNES). The original text and case documents are on the official record.
- Date
- May 18, 2012
- Location
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon · town centre
- Type of sighting
- From the ground
- Source classification
- B
Sources
- See the original document
GEIPAN (CNES)
n° 2012-05-08251
Summary written by SkyUnknown from the facts published by the source.