CESNY-BOIS-HALBOUT (14) 30.09.2011

On 30 September 2011 at about 22:00, a witness saw a stationary point of light fairly low above the horizon. After 45 minutes, it appeared to move northward, crossing half the sky in about 1 minute. GEIPAN considers the stationary first phase compatible with Arcturus in Boötes. The second phase, in which the point flashed white and red, moved north and disappeared in about a minute, is harder to explain. An astronomical misidentification was excluded for that phase, and an airliner was considered unlikely given its characteristic lights. An unlisted military satellite remained possible but could not be checked. GEIPAN rates strangeness as low and evidential support as good. The first phase could be classified B, probable Arcturus, and the second C. The overall case is classified C for lack of information and corroboration.