Le Vigen (87) 1979

Summary

Three people observed a luminous phenomenon in December 1979 in the Haute-Vienne region. The object was described as a very bright reddish mass that changed shape and disappeared into the clouds. Although initially classified as a case D, a later review concluded it was an observation of the sun. Witnesses mentioned the sky was overcast with low clouds, which complicated clear visibility.

The description of the phenomenon, with variable shapes and an unusual trajectory, caused confusion. However, analyzing the sun's position at that time confirmed the observed object was actually the rising sun. The sun's low angular height explained its reddish color and the apparent variability in its shape. This well-documented case, with three witnesses, shows how weather conditions and perspective can lead to misunderstandings in aerial phenomenon observations.