Investigating the Avignon Light Phenomenon

Summary

On December 23 and 24, 1981, several people in Avignon observed a luminous phenomenon in the cloudy sky. This object was circular in shape and changed color between white and orange. Initially it appeared stationary, but then it moved, causing some witnesses to see it grow or shrink. Pilots and air traffic controllers also noticed the light on December 24. Despite a thorough investigation by the gendarmerie and verification using astronomy software, there was not enough information to confirm that the witnesses saw Venus, which was particularly visible that night.