AMMERSCHWIHR (68) 15.07.2015

On Wednesday 15 July 2015 at 22:37, a witness in a car park in Ammerschwihr (68) saw 3 very bright red lights forming a triangle at low altitude. The apparent object emerged from behind a forest, approached his building, turned through 45° and disappeared from view. Only 1 account was collected. GEIPAN favors sky lanterns; see the investigation report. Their red color and number fit a typical group release. Shared movement with the prevailing wind could create the illusion of a single shape. Moderate speed fits still or light-wind conditions, and there was no sound. The short 10–15-second observation is compatible with lanterns' operating life. Nearby facilities suitable for releases lay in the viewing direction but were hidden from the witness. GEIPAN classifies the case B: probable sky lanterns.