LAVERCANTIERE (46) 19.04.2023

On 19 April 2023 at 04:30 in Lavercantière (46), a witness looking from a south-facing bedroom saw a point of light move horizontally from west to east, at an estimated elevation of 30°–45°. A very bright fluorescent-green trail followed it. The point changed from orange to bright red before the phenomenon suddenly vanished in something resembling an “explosion.” GEIPAN assesses the amount of reliable information as moderate: there is 1 witness and no photograph or video because the observation was so brief. This assessment concerns the quantity of information considered reliable that has been collected for an account. Analysis indicates a probable meteor; see the investigation report. Supporting features are its appearance, including colours, strong brightness and trail; its very short duration; a straight trajectory; and the final apparent explosion, indicating atmospheric breakup and vaporisation of all or part of the meteor. The only feature the witness found strange was the horizontal trajectory. GEIPAN explains that this could result from a meteor with a radiant near the horizon or simply from perspective. GEIPAN searched databases of witness accounts and automated video recordings without finding this meteor. It considers that plausible given the very early hour and the relatively distant nearest automated camera. The case is classified B: probable observation of a meteor entering the atmosphere.