UFO in Cugnaux 2011

Summary

On August 4, 2011, a witness in Cugnaux (France) observed a bright point moving in a zigzag pattern across the night sky from south to north. Surprised by the changing intensity and the absence of sound, the witness could not identify the object. Investigators concluded it was likely the satellite IGS1B, whose brightness and trajectory matched the description. However, the irregular movement reported by the witness was attributed to an optical illusion known as autokinetic effect, common when observing bright points in darkness. This case was classified as B by GEIPAN, indicating a probable satellite observation with autokinetic illusion.

The autokinetic illusion occurs when the eye perceives movement where there is none, especially under low-light conditions. In this case, the witness may have misinterpreted the satellite's straight path as a zigzag due to this visual distortion. Although the satellite follows a fixed trajectory, the brain can misinterpret its motion, explaining the unusual description. The report concludes that there was no unexplained activity, but a well-known optical phenomenon.