Luminous Phenomenon Mistaken for the Sun in Ardèche

Summary

A witness reported a luminous phenomenon observed from their home to the gendarmerie and GEIPAN on February 3, 2010, around 4:00 PM. According to the reconstruction, the direction and elevation of the object matched that of the Sun. This explains why the object appeared blinding, even with sunglasses, and why its shape and color changed. Additionally, the interior lighting appeared weak with pink or orange tones, which is consistent with sunlight reflection. The phenomenon disappeared as the Sun set behind the mountains. The witness mentioned calling a neighbor during the observation, but the neighbor's descriptions were contradictory, sometimes referring to a "satellite" and other times to a fireball. In this context, the second object could be explained as a retinal persistence effect after prolonged solar observation. The case was classified as B, meaning likely confusion with the Sun and subsequent optical effects.