PLOEMEUR (56) 02.09.2017

On 2 September 2017 at 22:30, a witness watched about 20 whitish lights pass silently over Ploemeur and Lorient for 1–2 minutes. He telephoned a neighbor. The lights soon disappeared behind trees in a wood near his home. Only one questionnaire was collected. GEIPAN considers a group of sky lanterns the very probable explanation. It finds the account closely resembles many reports of both suspected and confirmed lantern releases: - The witness said the objects were silent, with a shimmering light beneath each one illuminating it, but no visible navigation or flashing lights. GEIPAN considers this typical of lanterns. - The group moved with the wind, from south-southwest to north-northeast, matching Infoclimat measurements taken 4 km away. - It was a clear weekend night, conducive to festive events. The witness rejected the explanation, arguing that the objects were too large. GEIPAN responds that observers commonly misjudge an unfamiliar object's distance and consequently its size and speed; in its interpretation, the lights were closer than he thought. He also said there was no wind. GEIPAN notes that he stood in his doorway, a poor position from which to assess wind, especially at the proposed lantern altitude of 100–200 m. The experience made a strong impression on him, and he seemed unable to accept such a simple explanation. GEIPAN notes that this reaction is common, citing CHATEAUFORT (78) 10.07.2011. It suggests that no other observers reported the lights because many people recognize lanterns. The witness reasoned the opposite: he thought lanterns would necessarily have prompted more reports. GEIPAN acknowledges his sense of having experienced a unique moment but maintains that lanterns are the most probable explanation. It classifies the case B: probable observation of sky lanterns.