What UFOs turn out to be
Other explanations of UFO sightings
Some sightings have an explanation that fits no major category: a kite, a plastic bag carried by the wind, a light reflected on a window, an advertising object, a phenomenon specific to the place.
They are grouped here as the official sources concluded them.
SkyUnknown lists 9 UFO sightings explained as an identified cause of another kind, from 1983 to 2019, drawn from official records: GEIPAN (CNES).
- cases
- 9
- unidentified
- 0
- period
- 1983–2019
- source
- 1
Notable cases
The most complete records: account of the sighting, conclusion of the official investigation.
- Probably explainedNovember 15, 2019
Renage
Isère, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- ExplainedOctober 5, 2019
Les Epesses
Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- ExplainedApril 14, 2016
Lagnieu
Ain, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- ExplainedAugust 21, 2015
Entre-Deux
La Réunion, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- ExplainedJune 3, 2009
Tarbes
Hautes-Pyrénées, Occitanie, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- Probably explainedJuly 14, 2007
Jazeneuil
Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- Probably explainedOctober 27, 1989
« le Trou Normand » Brix
Manche, Normandie, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- ExplainedMarch 1, 1986
Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire
Haute-Vienne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
- Probably explainedJuly 17, 1983
Sommerécourt
Haute-Marne, Grand Est, France
→ Other explanations
GEIPAN (CNES)
Other explanations
All sightings
| Date | Place | Status | Identified cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 15, 2019 | Renage · Isère | Probably explained | Other explanations |
| October 5, 2019 | Les Epesses · Vendée | Explained | Other explanations |
| April 14, 2016 | Lagnieu · Ain | Explained | Other explanations |
| August 21, 2015 | Entre-Deux · La Réunion | Explained | Other explanations |
| June 3, 2009 | Tarbes · Hautes-Pyrénées | Explained | Other explanations |
| July 14, 2007 | Jazeneuil · Vienne | Probably explained | Other explanations |
| October 27, 1989 | « le Trou Normand » Brix · Manche | Probably explained | Other explanations |
| March 1, 1986 | Maisonnais-sur-Tardoire · Haute-Vienne | Explained | Other explanations |
| July 17, 1983 | Sommerécourt · Haute-Marne | Probably explained | Other explanations |
The figures on this page are computed from the official records cited on each case. See sources and method