Plane Contrail at Sunset in Troville-sur-Mer

Summary

On January 11, 2014, a witness in Troville-sur-Mer observed a strange luminous trail in the sky at 16:50. The object appeared to move slowly and was clearly visible against the orange sky of the setting sun. The witness took a photograph that initially raised curiosity, but after analysis, the GEIPAN concluded it was a typical contrail from an airplane. The weather conditions were ideal: a north wind and visibility of 60 km allowed the trail to be seen from about 100 to 120 km away. The altitude of the plane (10,000 meters) and the light of the sunset made the phenomenon especially visible. Although common, the unusual conditions and viewing angle led the witness to find it surprising.