BULLY-LES-MINES (62) 31.12.2014

On 31 December 2014 at about 19:30, a witness noticed 2 bright white lights in the sky, described as equally spaced, stationary and silent. After a few minutes they moved slowly and silently over rooftops and out of view. Only 1 account was collected. Luminous balls crossing the sky over several minutes on a festive night suggest sky lanterns probably released nearby at a private celebration. Slight westward movement might fit the light, unstable wind, temporarily from the southwest, recorded at Lille by Météociel. However, travel directions differ between parts of the account. The reported white color is less typical than lanterns' usual yellow-orange, and the wind is uncertain. Although considered probable, the lantern hypothesis lacks confirmation. GEIPAN classifies the case C because precise wind information is missing, pending further related accounts.