PLAISIR (78) 14.04.2013

On 14 April 2013 at about 20:00, a witness in Plaisir saw around 15 very bright points moving in the same direction. No unusual sound was heard during the approximately 20-second observation. The account places the sighting 4 minutes before sunset: the lights were irregularly arranged to the east, moving southeast and apparently flashing. GEIPAN suggests metallized Mylar balloons drifting with the wind. Although the surface wind was southerly, atmospheric soundings at Trappes showed northwesterly winds aloft, compatible with the observed movement. The source explains that these helium-filled balloons can rise very high and remain aloft for several hours, making their origin very difficult to locate. GEIPAN classifies the case as B: a probable sighting of helium-filled party balloons.