[A26] de MAILLY-LE-CAMP (10) vers TROYES (10) 01.11.2010

In the case dated 1 November 2010 on the A26 from Mailly-le-Camp toward Troyes (10), a driver traveling at 130 km/h saw an intense white halo apparently whirling in the sky. The questionnaire, unsupported by a gendarmerie report, gives neither an exact location nor duration. The vehicle was heading north to south, and he was looking south through the windshield. At the reported time, Sirius, described as the brightest star in the night sky, lay in that direction. GEIPAN considers that its variable scintillation combined with visual fatigue from driving could explain the apparent whirling. Precise verification is impossible, but Sirius is a probable explanation.