ANNECY (74) 13.10.2018

On 13 October 2018, a witness at a playground in Annecy noticed a bright glint in the daytime sky, apparently 2 reflections of sunlight on a central object. The witness hurried to take phone photographs. Only 1 account was collected. The UAP is particularly difficult to characterize (see investigation report): - Without reference points in the pictures, its position, possible motion, distance and size cannot be established. It could be large and far away, as the witness suspected, or much smaller and closer. - Its indistinct shape is associated with the poor optics and sensor of an iPhone 4s, producing strong image noise. This phone is unsuitable for small distant subjects. A depth-of-field analysis that might improve size and distance estimates is therefore not possible. - Its angular size is under 0.5°, against uniform blue sky without reference points, making difficulty judging shape and motion understandable. The witness suggested a stratospheric balloon. Internet inquiries and contact with CNES's balloon department produced no result. Size and distance estimates from IPACO analysis could fit a balloon, but absent or imprecise other parameters prevent validation. There is insufficient reliable information for a satisfactory conclusion. GEIPAN classifies the case C.