MEZE (34) 20.08.2012

Summary

On August 20, 2012, around 10:30 PM, two witnesses observed a round, luminous object moving silently and oddly in the sky before it quickly disappeared. In the area of Meze, near Béziers, weather data showed a light and unstable wind coming from the west and shifting to the north. The object's movements matched the wind patterns, suggesting it was carried by the air. Additionally, there was a fireworks display that night, increasing the likelihood that the object was a luminous balloon or a Thai lantern launched during the festivities. Although the witness reported a white light, Thai lanterns are usually described as emitting orange or red light. The GEIPAN classified this case as "B"—a probable observation of a luminous balloon (LED balloon).