QUIMPER (29) 16.10.2023

The two witnesses are on the terrace of their house in Quimper (29) on 16 October 2023 when they observe in the sky to the west, at around 21:15, a phenomenon consisting of 3 dim orange points, forming a triangle in T1’s perception, moving noiselessly, horizontally, on a straight path and at an elevation of about 20°. No noise was perceived by the witnesses who observed the UAP for a few seconds before it disappeared masked by a house in the neighbourhood. GEIPAN considers the evidential quality* good, with two dependent witnesses having each completed a Technical Questionnaire, but without a photo or video of the UAP. A field investigation was also conducted with cognitive interviews. *The GEIPAN criteria state that evidential quality is the amount of information collected for an account that is considered reliable and objectively established. The high level of strangeness perceived by the witnesses is linked (especially for T1) to the high speed of the UAP. This is due to the lack of visible landmarks in the night sky which prevented him from estimating its distance. Therefore, his perception was that it is much further and faster (500 to 1000m distance, with a speed of 300 to 500 m/h (the unit given in the source, despite the description of high speed)). Also, the triangular shape composed by the 3 luminous points evolving together led him toward an "aircraft" hypothesis with atypical characteristics (shape, a translucent silhouette and a gliding movement through the air) without considering that the 3 points could be separate. The investigation examined several hypotheses (see the investigation report): that of aircraft was quickly eliminated due to the absence of noise, the unusual configuration maintaining a constant 45° inclination and the absence of radar traces. The drone hypothesis was also not retained, due to the large size of the whole, which would have involved a small distance, not compatible with the absence of noise, or the simultaneous presence of 3 aircraft. The hypothesis of 3 sky lanterns was found to be incompatible with wind orientation, both at ground and altitude. Finally, the last hypothesis, that of three birds with white ventral plumage, is the most plausible for the following reasons: - The orange colour is compatible with that of birds whose white ventral plumage is illuminated by the urban lights of the city of Quimper (in October 2023 many lampposts producing an orange colour (sodium vapour) were still active in the streets). - The point-like appearance of each individual reflects a certain distance and therefore a very small angular size making it difficult for the witnesses to perceive details (wings...). The calculations show an angular size less than 1° for each individual in a group of three birds flying at cruising speed at a distance between 74 and 93 m. The observation conditions (at night, with low contrast and a very short observation period) did not allow the witnesses to see anything other than the bodies of the birds, reduced to a simple point form. - The angle of observation (20° above the horizon) prevents the wings from being seen in full when birds fly level, horizontally relative to the ground. - We note the difference in evaluation between the witnesses, T2 evoking three independent lights, while T1 perceives a triangle with three orange lights, which is symptomatic of a perceptual illusion caused by the identical appearance of the three lights moving simultaneously in the same direction. GEIPAN finally asked the nature-conservation association Bretagne Vivante for an expert opinion. It confirmed that it is possible to observe three birds of the species cattle egret, common in Quimper and active in flight at night. The association specifies that these could be three of these birds who were returning late to their roost. GEIPAN classifies this case of observation in "B": probable observation of 3 birds illuminated by urban lighting.