Venus-Jupiter conjunction mistaken for a UFO in Vernoux-en-Vivarais

Summary

Two witnesses observed a circular luminous phenomenon in clear skies over several consecutive days. Some observations were made with a magnifying lens, which added details such as apparent motion and color changes. The investigation determined that from February 17, 1975, a conjunction between Jupiter and Venus was visible and gradually separating. The combination of the astronomical alignment and the optics used by the witnesses produced the illusion of the observed phenomenon. Conclusion: astronomical misidentification. Case classified A.