Atmospheric Entry in France 2011

Summary

The GEIPAN received several testimonies of a luminous phenomenon that quickly crossed the sky on February 18, 2011. Observers were in Peypin near Arles and from a helicopter over the Pyrenees. The description of shape, trajectory, and rapid movement suggests an atmospheric entry of a meteoroid or space debris. Additionally, coincidences with other distant sightings, the north-south direction, and the time support the hypothesis of an object entering at high altitude. Therefore, the GEIPAN classified the case as B, likely atmospheric entry.