[A9] DE NIMES (30) VERS MONTPELLIER (34) 05.01.1984 T1

GEIPAN continues to publish its complete archives on www.geipan.fr, including older cases originally classified A, B, C or D that are being re-examined solely to improve the conclusions. New technical tools, including software, and accumulated investigative experience sometimes yield new findings or a change in classification. This sighting, previously classified D and named GRAND GALLARGUES (30) 1984, is among the cases recently reviewed. On 5 January 1984 at about 02:30, 2 witnesses traveling in a light medical transport vehicle, or VSL, on the A9 from Nîmes toward Montpellier saw a UAP apparently following them along the motorway for about 20 km. Only the second witness, who was very frightened, saw a second UAP. No particular sound was heard during the observations. GEIPAN distinguishes UAP 1 and UAP 2, as detailed in the investigation report. The physical characteristics and behavior described for UAP 1, seen by both witnesses, match no known phenomenon. However, closer examination shows that almost all the accounts' details and drawings differ about its appearance and behavior. Their limited quantity and quality prevent further checks that might explain it or substantiate or refute its unusual and unexplained character. This weak evidential support prevents retention of the original D classification. GEIPAN therefore classifies UAP 1 C for insufficient reliable information. UAP 2, seen only by T2, is covered in the separate case “[A9] de NIMES (30) vers MONTPELLIER (34) 05.01.1984 T2.” GEIPAN identifies it as Aldebaran, seen in a temporarily favorable geographical configuration. Part of T2's sense of strangeness arose from the following-ball illusion caused by the witness's own movement. A distant object, here a star, appears to follow the observer by moving relative to the road, while in fact the road's direction changes relative to the star's fixed bearing. GEIPAN classifies UAP 2 A: Aldebaran.