Notre-Dame-du-Pre 2010, observation of a fireball

Summary

A fireball of orange color was observed in Notre-Dame-du-Pre, in the Savoie region, during the early morning of August 21, 2010. The witness described a light emitting internal sparks, moving slowly and suddenly extinguishing. Although the phenomenon was classified as having a low strangeness level, researchers considered the possibility of it being a flying lantern. The description matches typical characteristics of this type of object, which often extinguish abruptly when their fuel runs out.

The case was classified as B by the GEIPAN, indicating a likely explanation. Although the main witness provided a written statement, the other four did not do so directly, limiting the consistency of the report. However, the precise location of the phenomenon allows for the consideration that it could have been launched from a nearby area accessible by road. Despite the limitations, the detailed description supports the hypothesis of a Thai flying lantern.