A luminous object over Nice, 2013

Summary

On July 27, 2013, a couple in Nice observed a luminous object crossing the sky. Coming from the south of the city, the object moved northward and then smoothly turned westward, maintaining a linear path. Through binoculars, they described it as round, with regular amber flashes. Notably, no sound was heard. Although the GEIPAN considered the possibility of an aircraft, the witness rejected this explanation. However, due to a delay in reporting the case, radar data could not be verified. As a result, the GEIPAN classified the case as "C" due to insufficient information.

The witness's description, with non-synchronized flashes and a trajectory compatible with an aircraft, suggests a possible visual confusion. Aircraft anti-collision lights and strobes can often create the illusion of a single blinking object. Despite this, the witness insisted it was not an aircraft. This ambiguity, combined with the inability to check radar data, led the GEIPAN to close the case without a definitive conclusion.