Red fireball observed in Jura in 1985

Summary

On January 26, 1985, five witnesses in different locations in Moirans-en-Montagne, in the Jura region, saw a bright red fireball moving across the sky, leaving a thick trail of smoke. The phenomenon was notable enough to be reported independently by several people. The French gendarmerie investigated and concluded that it was likely a maritime distress flare fired as a test by a local resident. Although not a UFO in the strict sense, the description and movement of the fireball were sufficient to prompt the GEIPAN to record the case as part of its investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena.