[D956] DE GRAMBOIS (84) VERS TOUR D'AIGUES (LA) (84) 05.07.2013

On 5 July 2013 between 22:40 and 23:05, a driver and his partner were intrigued by several white lights manoeuvring silently in the sky. Other motorists also stopped to watch. Only 1 account was collected. GEIPAN considers the description entirely consistent with a Patrouille de France night display and very similar to other accounts of this annual event on the first Friday in July. Like many witnesses, he was surprised by the silence. GEIPAN explains it by the considerable viewing distance and the aircraft approaching head-on; his distance underestimate also made their movement seem too slow. The number of visible lights depends on the formation’s geometry, as some aircraft can hide others. GEIPAN considers the case an illustration of how misjudging distance can lead to misinterpretation. Estimating it without prior information is almost impossible even for an experienced observer. The Alpha Jets’ powerful landing lights make them appear closer, and a very clear sky can strengthen that illusion. The Patrouille de France confirmed that its manoeuvres continued until 23:13 that day. GEIPAN classifies the case A: observation of the Patrouille de France.