VIELS-MAISONS (02) 19.07.2015

On 19 July 2015 around midnight, 2 people using binoculars saw several twinkling orange lights in a line move west to east, resembling a formation flight. One witness saw a final light join the others very quickly. Only 1 account was collected. The attached investigation report supports sky lanterns based on orange color, moderate speed consistent with little or no wind, a roughly 1-minute duration compatible with lantern lifetimes, a number consistent with a group release, and no sound. It describes the date as a Sunday evening, conducive to festive releases, alongside the opening midnight time. Extinction of lantern flames or entry into cloud could cause the apparent acceleration and disappearance. GEIPAN classifies the case B: very probable sky lanterns.