🇫🇷 GEIPAN / CNES
On July 27, 2012, a witness in Corrèze observed a silent, oval-shaped white light moving across the sky. The observation lasted about 45 seconds before a second orange light appeared, perfectly mirroring the first object's trajectory. Both lights moved in a straight line at constant speed and distance before disappearing behind the landscape. Later analysis identified the phenomenon as the International Space Station (ISS) and the Japanese cargo ship HTV, which were on nearly the same orbit. Though the case was classified as "A" (identified), the witness described the object as large as the Moon, a common misjudgment when observing surprising aerial phenomena over a long period.
The coincidence between the description and astronomical data confirms the witness saw a rare but real event. The ISS's brightness (-3, like Venus) and the HTV's (3) explain the differences in color and perceived intensity. This case stands out for the accuracy of the observation and the later verification using tools like Calsky and the Canadian Space Agency's website. Despite the clear identification, the testimony highlights how unusual aerial events can lead to misleading perceptions, even in detailed observations.