Bolide seen over Toulouse on August 2, 2011

Summary

On August 2, 2011, at around 3:27 AM, hundreds of people across southern France observed a bright object lighting up the night sky as if it were daytime. The object, often described as greenish-blue in color, was visible for about 4 to 5 seconds. Some witnesses reported hearing one or two explosions a few seconds after the object passed, suggesting it may have fragmented in the air. The affected area was extensive, covering departments such as Ariège, Aveyron, Aude, Gironde, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne. Data collected by the GEIPAN indicated that the bolide followed a north-south trajectory with a slight east-west shift. The phenomenon ended in a triangular area including Andorra, Carcassonne, and Perpignan. Scientists from the IMCCE confirmed it was a bolide, and more details can be found on the GEIPAN website and in the event's synthesis report.