Aix-en-Provence 1979, metallic flying objects

Summary

On January 11, 1979, two witnesses in Aix-en-Provence observed about fifteen flying objects, each measuring between 60 and 80 cm. The metallic objects were seen spinning and emitting bright flashes as they reflected the setting sun. They moved slowly and silently toward the southeast before disappearing. Although initially puzzling, the witnesses' account was later explained by an unrelated weather balloon launch that had taken place earlier the same day. It was likely that the witnesses had seen fragments of the balloon or its gondola. Despite this explanation, the precise description and unusual behavior of the objects left a lingering sense of mystery.