LEZENNES (59) 01.01.2022

On 1 January 2022 at about 01:10, two people in Lézennes (59) saw 7–9 white star-like points move rapidly and silently in a straight line, in V formation, from south-southwest to north-northeast. The formation remained “perfect and coherent” throughout the 5-second observation, after which the UAPs were lost from view. The reporting witness said stars were visible between the formation’s elements. Only one account was collected. GEIPAN assesses the evidential substance* as moderate: only one of the two observers reported to GEIPAN, and there are no photographs or videos. *GEIPAN defines evidential substance as the amount of information collected for an account that is considered reliable and objectively substantiated. Two hypotheses were compared with the observation: LED-lit balloons and birds flying in formation (see investigation report). Balloons fit the point-like appearance at some distances, the common white colour and the New Year timing, favourable for releases. A V formation is unlikely, however, because balloons naturally disperse with the wind after release. The bird hypothesis is supported by: - Stars visible between the points indicate several separate light sources rather than one object. The configuration remained stable throughout. - White undersides of some birds could reflect ambient light sent upward by light pollution from the nearby Lille urban area. - A round appearance could correspond to a bird’s body while its wings remain indistinct because of distance or darker wing plumage. The very brief observation, about 5 seconds, probably also limited recognition of individual birds or wingbeats. - The estimated 75° elevation may be too high because of a lack of visual references. Without a sky photograph from the observation, it could not be checked. A near-overhead view makes an illuminated underside more visible, although such illumination also varies unpredictably. - The area supports abundant birdlife, including a natural area in the UAPs’ direction of travel. An assessment by the Bretagne Vivante association confirmed these points. Given the geography and festivities just after New Year, it considered the lights probably birds disturbed into nighttime formation flight between wintering sites, such as mallards or little egrets, described in the source as birds with white undersides. GEIPAN finds this hypothesis reduces the perceived strangeness, although missing information prevents greater confidence. It classifies the case B: probable birds flying in formation.