Clayes-sous-Bois 2012, observation of a triangular object

Summary

On January 2, 2012, a witness in Clayes-sous-Bois observed from 4:30 PM a triangular object with flashing red and yellow lights. The object seemed to spin occasionally and remained stationary. The witness contacted the air navigation service in Chavenay, which also confirmed the phenomenon. The observation lasted three hours, but no other witnesses were reported. The GEIPAN contacted the Chavenay service, who confirmed seeing a very bright light. After a quick analysis, it was suggested that it could have been the planet Venus, whose low position on the horizon caused strong color variations due to atmospheric effects. The witness, when contacted again, confirmed identifying Venus, but noted that the luminous object was near its direction, remaining fixed for two hours, without providing precise details on its location or altitude. The observation direction pointed toward the Château de Plaisir, where a luminous captive balloon could have produced a similar visual impression. Due to the imprecision of the testimony, the low unusual nature of the case, and the lack of photos or other witnesses, the GEIPAN classified it as "C" due to lack of information.