UFO in Barremme classified as PAN A

Summary

In May 1983, several witnesses in Barremme (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) observed a luminous phenomenon in the sky between 22:30 and 23:30. They saw a slow-moving ball that repeatedly disappeared, with triangular shapes and different lights visible through binoculars. The gendarmerie interviewed seven witnesses, but the direction indicated in the map was misleading, showing the direction of observation rather than the actual movement. Although a comet was mentioned, astronomers ruled it out. Eventually, it was determined that the observed phenomenon was Venus, which was precisely at the angular height (17.5°) and azimuth (290°) described by the witnesses. The confusion was not due to visual perception, but to how the witnesses interpreted their observation, influenced by factors like terrain and surprise.

The case was reviewed years later with new methods and experience, leading to a reevaluation of its classification. Although initially considered a type C (unexplained) case, it is now classified as PAN A, meaning an observation attributed to a misinterpretation of a known object. This review shows how science and technology improve the understanding of aerial phenomena.