ONNAING (59) 19.11.2023

On 19 November 2023 at about 21:35, a witness and his children saw white lights with a stroboscopic effect from their home in Onnaing (59). The lights appeared to reflect off a cloud layer in the direction along the main street. The phenomenon stayed stationary throughout, lasting about 2–3 minutes before abruptly going out. The witness recorded 2 video sequences, providing visual evidence that added substance and interest to the case. GEIPAN assesses the amount of reliable, objectively supported information as good. Although only 1 account was officially recorded, 3 distinct witnesses and 2 videos corroborated the UAP observation, strengthening the case's credibility. This assessment concerns the quantity of such information collected for an account. The investigation established that the lights had all the characteristics of ground-based sources reflecting off low cloud; see the investigation report. Analysis identified their probable origin as the autumn fair on the Grand-Place in Mons, Belgium, about 27 km away along the viewing direction from Onnaing. It was confirmed that some fairground rides had powerful lighting capable of producing a stroboscopic effect. The weather conditions, particularly very good horizontal visibility and low clouds, were consistent with reflections visible from Onnaing. The case is classified A: reflections on clouds from lights on rides at the Mons autumn fair.