NOISY-LE-SEC (93) 07.11.2016

On 7 November 2016 at 00:35, a witness in his bedroom saw a very bright coloured phenomenon pass across the sky. He described ‘a round flame-yellow base topped by a rather translucent blue, red and green triangle’. It moved eastward in small zigzags while rising slightly. Only 1 account was collected. GEIPAN considers helium-filled LED balloons probable. The movement matches the generally west-to-east wind (see Infoclimat), and slight zigzags around a main path also fit a windborne object. LED balloons can be tied in clusters producing different shapes and colour combinations, such as the round shape plus triangle reported here (see the example of reusable LED balloons). A flame-like appearance could result from some balloons flashing while others remain steadily lit. GEIPAN attributes the partial, gradual fading to the LEDs reaching the end of their operating life. The sighting also occurred on a weekend night, suitable for this type of celebration. GEIPAN classifies the case B: probable LED balloon.