COLMAR (68) 02.07.2014

A high-quality account describes about 15 white lights silently crossing part of the sky above Colmar in 1 minute at 22:59 on 2 July 2014. The witness described their gradual disappearance. GEIPAN considers illuminated balloons or Thai sky lanterns carried by the wind a likely explanation, probably released nearby at the end of a private party. The witness’s diagram shows movement from east to west. The wind recorded in Colmar at 23:00 was light and northerly, having been northeasterly slightly earlier. GEIPAN considers these conditions roughly compatible with the reported movement. It explains that variable low-altitude winds and the witness’s inability to determine whether the lights were approaching or receding over such a short period could account for the directional discrepancy. The case is classified B: probable observation of windborne sky lanterns or illuminated balloons.