CAMARET-SUR-AIGUES (84) 10.12.2013

A witness reported watching a stationary light for 30 minutes on 10 December 2013 at about 01:00. GEIPAN considers Sirius to the south-southeast, magnitude −1.44 and scintillating, the probable explanation. Weather records show a strong mistral with very clear but turbulent air, favouring pronounced stellar scintillation. The witness also noticed a light towards Orange, southwest, in mid-December between 18:00 and 19:00; GEIPAN identifies that as Venus. Photographs with 4-second exposures show light zigzags caused by camera movement. In email exchanges, the witness also mentioned lights near the ground towards Air Base 115, Orange-Caritat aerodrome, possibly related to activity there. GEIPAN had difficulty obtaining precise viewing directions and therefore could not confirm the explanation completely. The case is classified B: probable observation of Sirius.