MARMANDE (47) 31.01.2022

On 31 January 2022 at about 20:45, a witness observed a first non-flashing point of light in the night sky, apparently at a fairly high altitude and moving faster than a conventional aircraft. He watched it for roughly 3–4 minutes until it faded, as though gaining altitude, and disappeared. About 2 minutes later he saw another point of light behaving in the same way. The amount of reliable information in this case is moderate, with a single witness and no photographs or video of the UAPs. In the attached investigation report, GEIPAN explains that the witness probably observed 2 festive balloons illuminated by LEDs and carried along by the wind. This conclusion rests on the following points: - They moved in straight lines broadly with the wind, although their reported direction differed somewhat from the wind data. At night, without reference points, the witness would have found it difficult to estimate their initial and final azimuths, explaining this difference. - They were white, a common colour for these balloons, and their brightness was steady, unlike that of sky lanterns. - They appeared point-like because their modest dimensions and distance prevented their actual shape being distinguished. - Balloons are often released in small groups, so seeing 2 a few minutes apart is entirely plausible. The witness found the perceived ascent and high speed strange. GEIPAN showed that the way the UAPs disappeared could create an impression of climbing, and that speed is very difficult to estimate at night without reference points. Although this type of balloon is generally released outdoors at weekends in spring or summer, an occasional weekday release remains possible, for example at a local or family celebration. GEIPAN classifies the case B: observation of 2 novelty balloons fitted with LED lights.