SAINT-FRANCOIS (971) 26.08.2012

A witness reported that several people saw 12 objects move silently westward at 21:30 on 26 August 2012. They appeared in successive groups and were described as ovoid, with red outlines, orange interiors and 3 clearly visible yellow balls within each object. The witness made a statement to the gendarmerie, which investigated, and the local press was also to be contacted. Their color, slow movement with a light east wind and appearance in successive groups are characteristic of sky-lantern releases (see the map and weather record). Detailed photographic analysis found emitted light closely matching sky lanterns (see that analysis). However, their 3 yellow points in a red-orange envelope differ from ordinary circular or elliptical lanterns. Three lanterns tied together would look like this. GEIPAN classifies the case B: probable sky lanterns tied together in groups of 3.