MIOS (33) 13.06.2020

On 13 June 2020 at about 23:30, 2 people in a car park noticed a yellow or orange-red light in the night sky to the northeast. It barely moved, made no audible sound and was described as shaped like an upside-down Y. It disappeared quickly. One witness took mobile-phone photographs. No other account of the phenomenon was collected. After analysis, GEIPAN considers some unusual features to remain, particularly in the witnesses’ descriptions (see the investigation report). Evidential support is moderate: there are 2 witnesses and photographs, but the accounts conflict and the reported shape does not match the images. The photographs suggest a sky lantern, especially because of its orange colour. The sighting occurred on a Saturday at about 23:30, a suitable time for a release. Apparent stillness fits the calm or very light wind. The witnesses’ descriptions of disappearance also resemble a lantern: T1 perceived recession, while T2 described shrinking and extinction. GEIPAN explains these by the flame gradually dimming and then going out. The case is classified A: observation of a sky lantern.