Circular UFO seen in Yonne in 1981

Summary

In February 1981, several witnesses in Yonne observed an unusual luminous phenomenon in the sky. On February 26 at 6:30 PM, an orange circular object was seen moving from southwest to northeast, leaving a luminous trail behind. The event lasted only a few seconds, but the descriptions and drawings made by witnesses were consistent. Investigators concluded that it was likely an atmospheric entry, such as a meteorite or a satellite burning up as it reentered the atmosphere. Although there was no conclusive evidence of a UFO, the detailed accounts and the coincidence among witnesses generated interest in the case.

The GEIPAN classification as "B" indicates that the phenomenon could not be identified with certainty, but the possibility of an unidentified object was not ruled out. Cases like this, although brief, are valuable for researchers studying non-conventional aerial phenomena. The description of a circular shape and a luminous trail is common for objects entering Earth's atmosphere, but the precision of the witnesses and the exact location of the event make it an interesting entry in the UFO archive.