BACCARAT (54) 14.10.2017

On 14 October 2017 at 21:00 in Baccarat (54), a witness looking at the night sky noticed about 10 white points, regularly spaced along a curve, moving silently. Just behind them he distinguished an opaque rounded form. Only 1 account was collected. GEIPAN's analysis found that the UAPs were very probably a flock of migratory birds, probably greylag geese, flying at high altitude; see the investigation report. Its conclusion rests on the following: - The date fits autumn migration, and the observation location lies in a migration corridor. - Their direction matches the usual migration direction at that time of year. - Their number fits a flock of birds, which migrate socially. - A V or circular-arc formation is typical. - Their slow, steady, straight progress gives estimated altitudes and speeds compatible with those known for greylag geese. - The subdued, very faint white colour fits white underparts reflecting residual ambient light. GEIPAN also found that the main anomaly, a dark mass perceived in the centre of the group, arose from a physiological effect in night vision: stars temporarily disappeared from central vision while the witness observed the UAPs with peripheral vision. GEIPAN classifies the case A: a flock of migratory birds, probably greylag geese.