Luminous point with zigzag in Saint-Julien-du-Sault

Summary

A witness in Saint-Julien-du-Sault observed a luminous point in the clear sky on July 8, 2012, at 23:30. Initially, the object followed a straight trajectory, but then began moving in a north-south zigzag pattern for several minutes. Although the testimony is unique, the description of the straight part suggests a satellite, which is common at that time according to the Calsky list. However, the zigzag could be explained by a physiological phenomenon known as autokinesis, which can make a stationary object appear to move. GEIPAN concludes that it was likely a satellite, with the trajectory altered by this effect. IGS 1A is the most probable candidate according to Calsky data.