White light in Vaucluse in 2013

Summary

On July 5, 2013, between 22:40 and 23:05, a driver and his companion observed silent white lights moving in the sky. Other drivers also stopped to watch the phenomenon. Only one testimony was collected, describing something very similar to the Patrouille de France during a night exercise. The witness's account matched others from this annual event, which occurs every first Friday of July. The witness was surprised by the silence of the phenomenon, which is explained by the great distance and his position facing the aircraft. This misjudgment of distance also made the movement appear slower than it actually was.

The number of visible light points depends on the formation of the aircraft, as some can hide others. This case illustrates how a misinterpretation can arise simply from a poor distance estimation. Even for experienced observers, such an assessment is nearly impossible without assistance. The powerful lights of the Alpha Jets can create the illusion that the aircraft are closer than they actually are. A clear sky can also enhance this sense of proximity. The Patrouille de France confirmed that maneuvers took place that day until 23:13. The case was classified as "A," meaning an observation of the Patrouille de France.