SCIENTRIER (74) 22.06.2013

On 22 June 2013 at 22:30 in Scientrier (74), 2 witnesses saw a perfectly aligned series of red and orange-yellow points that seemed to pulse or flash towards the summit of Sous-Dine, due south; see the map. Initially stationary, the phenomenon rapidly disappeared, merging into an orange mass. Only 1 account was collected, with photographs. The witness thought he was looking southeast, but Sous-Dine is due south. He thought the objects were above the mountain; GEIPAN considers it very likely they were much closer, with their alignment above the summit misleading him. Assuming sky lanterns, a preliminary analysis of the photographs places them 5–10 km away, between La Roche-sur-Foron and the mountain, at 500–1,000 m above the witness, who was at 450 m altitude. Meteociel records for nearby Geneva and Annecy show weak, highly variable wind that evening, making it impossible to establish the low-altitude wind direction near La Roche-sur-Foron. The local tourist office said the Fête de la Musique and the finish of the Rallye des Bornes took place on 22 June, but no sky-lantern release was reported, including to the gendarmerie. Without precise weather data to verify wind direction or confirmation from local authorities, GEIPAN cannot confirm white and red sky lanterns appearing yellow and red, although this hypothesis fully fits the photographs and account. Pending further information, the case is classified C.