CARENTAN (50) 28.07.2012

This sighting was reported on 5 December 2014. On 28 July 2012 at 23:00, a witness at his window noticed a stationary red, yellow and green point of light. Photographs taken after a few seconds showed 3 points forming a triangle. The object disappeared, then 4 points reappeared. The sighting lasted only a few minutes in a reportedly clear sky. No other account was collected. The witness observed and photographed a point-like light twice, a few seconds apart. Arcturus, Saturn and Mars were visible in the indicated direction. GEIPAN’s detailed comparison of photograph 2 with the stars around Arcturus leaves no doubt that Arcturus was photographed (see the investigation report). It explains appearance and disappearance by clouds present that evening. The 3 points in photograph 1, rather than a single Arcturus image, result from handheld camera movement. Atmospheric turbulence explains the colour changes. GEIPAN classifies the case A: observation of Arcturus.