MAULE (78) 14.07.2024

On 14 July 2024 around 04:00, a witness on his terrace in Maule (78) saw two star-sized balls flying parallel from the northeast. They were less white than nearby stars and slightly reddish. Their motion soon became erratic: rapidly separating and approaching, merging into one, dividing into four, then merging back into two, circling each other and making right-angle turns. They also remained stationary for about 2 minutes. The sighting lasted over 8 minutes, until the two UAPs were lost from view. The case has low evidential strength*, with one witness unable to photograph the UAPs. *Under GEIPAN's criteria, evidential strength is the amount of information collected for an account that is considered reliable and objectively substantiated. Several explanations were explored; multiple drones attracted particular attention (see investigation report). Their possible movements, occasional high speed and prolonged hovering match the account, although the risky maneuvers would require several highly experienced pilots. Nearby open areas could have served for takeoff and landing. Darkness and distance would hide drone shapes, leaving only their lights. The analysis refers to white lights, despite the initial reddish description, and notes that drone lights are generally red, green or sometimes blue. Four drones operating together would be unusual. The source also notes that their users would be violating prohibitions on nighttime operation and flight over a built-up area. Investigators contacted Maule and Achères municipalities; Achères had held a drone show instead of traditional fireworks the previous evening. Several local drone-operating businesses were also contacted. No replies were received. Despite general visual and behavioral compatibility, the number of objects, complex maneuvers and late hour make drones difficult to support. Missing size, distance and speed data prevent further analysis. GEIPAN classifies the case C: phenomenon not identified for lack of information.