SkyUnknown
Back to the map
Probably explained

Sighting in Vincennes, May 13, 1980

Val-de-Marne, Île-de-France, France

Sighting on May 13, 1980 in Vincennes (Val-de-Marne, France). GEIPAN considers the phenomenon probably identified (class B).

What happened

At around 4:45 a.m., a witness walking to work was startled by a very bright green ball that appeared in the sky. It moved from south to north at very low altitude, and a shower of yellow sparks trailed behind it.

The sighting lasted less than 5 seconds, and the witness noticed no sound. No other witness account of the phenomenon was gathered.

GEIPAN concluded that the witness had probably seen an atmospheric re-entry. The case is 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 13, 1980
Location
Vincennes · town centre
Type of sighting
From the ground
Source classification
B

Sources

Summary written by SkyUnknown from the facts published by the source.