Luminous ball on D940 near Lourdes

Summary

On February 13, 2011, a driver on the D940 between Lamarque-Pontarcq and Lourdes observed a slow-moving orange ball near the horizon. Intrigued by its irregular light, he used the zoom on his camera to continue observing for about thirty minutes. Although only one witness was recorded, the analysis of possible directions showed the object was in a fixed position, around 130° azimuth. After an astronomical check, it was determined to be Venus, a very bright planet low on the horizon. It is often mistaken for a nearby object due to its low position, making it seem like it is flying over the landscape. The color changes and details observed are caused by atmospheric shimmer, a common effect at sunrise or sunset.

The GEIPAN classified this case as "A", confirming it was a normal astronomical observation. However, the perception of proximity and optical effects can lead to confusion, especially under low visibility conditions. This case is a classic example of how celestial objects can be misinterpreted as unexplained phenomena, highlighting the importance of detailed analysis before drawing conclusions.