WERVICQ-SUD (59) 11.06.2017

On 11 June 2017 at about 23:30, a witness was intrigued by an object in the sky rotating on its axis, followed by a red glow and the UAP’s sudden disappearance. Only 1 account of the phenomenon was collected. Its apparent initial stillness for several minutes—the witness described a ‘stationary object, then rotating on its axis several times before leaving’—could suggest an astronomical misidentification. Its position matched Saturn, at an elevation of 10° and an azimuth of 144° at 23:30. However, clouds on the horizon should have hidden Saturn (see the investigation report). The description could also fit a skytracer, a searchlight display, as the sighting occurred on a Sunday evening with clouds present, although the witness denied this. The rotation is also fairly consistent with a skytracer. GEIPAN assesses the case as moderately unusual but weakly supported: there is only 1 witness, no photograph, and contradictions or inconsistencies in the account. It cannot be identified for lack of reliable data. GEIPAN considers the description apparently influenced by the witness’s strong expectations, making it difficult to distinguish what he actually saw from what he thought he saw. He described the sky around the UAP as completely clear, whereas satellite images show clouds. The duration also appears inconsistent between the free-form narrative and the rest of the account. The long interval between observation and analysis prevents further investigation of the account. The case is classified C: not identifiable for lack of data.