ROCHE-BLANCHE (LA) (63) 09.03.2019

On 9 March 2019 at 01:50, a motorist on the A75 saw a luminous phenomenon above Clermont-Ferrand for 2–3 seconds. A relatively strong orange halo was clearly visible, with an apparent diameter like a €1 coin held at arm's length. It rose quickly in a tight circular motion and disappeared diffusely behind a cloud. Its path resembled an inverted comma, starting on the left and moving upward from below. The witness gave a viewing angle of 50° and an estimated distance of about 2 km. There was no trail. Its color stayed unchanged and its brightness remained constant except as it passed behind the cloud. The comma-shaped movement was very fast and tightly curved. Only 1 account was collected. The evidential support is relatively weak because the observation was so brief (see the investigation report). The witness described the UAP and surroundings well, but was driving, the event was very short, and there was only 1 witness, limiting reliability. Ball lightning is compatible with the reported characteristics. The witness also suggested it and recognized the phenomenon in a video about the subject. However, the weather that night was unfavorable for such an occurrence, as confirmed by the Lightning Research Laboratory. The short duration and circumstances provide too little information to propose a satisfactory explanation. Strangeness remains moderate and evidential support weak. The case is classified C: insufficient usable information.