Atmospheric reentry in Lyon 1985

Summary

In September 1985, four witnesses in Lyon and Villefranche-sur-Saône observed a fast-moving luminous phenomenon in the sky. They described a bright green fluorescent light with a halo, similar to Bengal fires. Some also noticed a light in the water of a basin that lasted for several minutes. The descriptions were consistent among witnesses separated by distance, suggesting a coherent observation. Investigators from GEIPAN concluded it was likely an atmospheric reentry of a meteoroid, given the speed, short duration, and typical visual description of such events.

Initially classified as case D (unidentified), GEIPAN reevaluated it and upgraded it to B (likely meteoroid). Some unusual details, such as the light in the water and a slight radiation detected, did not contradict the meteorite hypothesis. Additionally, an anomaly in a security vehicle's signal was attributed to the witness's heightened alertness, who arrived at the site after receiving prior reports. Overall, the elements align with a meteorite fall, although no direct physical confirmation was found.