[A9] de NIMES (30) vers MONTPELLIER (34) 05.01.1984 T2

GEIPAN continues to publish all its archives on its public website, www.geipan.fr. These publications include older cases, classified at the time as A, B, C or D, that are now being reexamined solely to improve the relevance of their conclusions. New technical tools (software) and the investigative experience gained over the years sometimes lead this reexamination to new observations or even a change of classification. This sighting, previously classified D and named GRAND GALLARGUES (30) 1984, is among the cases recently reexamined. On 5 January 1984 around 02:30, 2 witnesses in a VSL medical-transport vehicle were traveling on the A9 toward Montpellier (34). They noticed a UAP apparently following them for about 20 km. A second, multicolored luminous UAP was seen only by the very frightened second witness. No particular sound was heard. The 2 phenomena must be distinguished (see investigation report). UAP 1, seen by both witnesses, had physical features and behavior unlike any known phenomenon (see [A9] DE NÎMES (30) VERS MONTPELLIER (34) 05.01.1984 T1). However, closer examination showed disagreement in virtually all descriptive elements and drawings about its appearance and behavior. The quantity and quality of information were too weak for additional checks that might explain it or confirm or reject its strangeness and unexplained status. This insufficient substantiation prevents retaining the original D classification. GEIPAN therefore classifies UAP 1 as C: lack of reliable information. UAP 2, seen only by T2, was an astronomical misidentification of Aldebaran, viewed in a temporarily favorable geographic configuration. Part of T2's sense of strangeness arose from the “following ball” illusion caused by the moving vehicle. The distant star seemed to follow the witness by moving relative to the road, whereas the road's position changed relative to the star's fixed direction. GEIPAN classifies UAP 2 as A: observation of Aldebaran.