Bright object over Gien, France

Summary

On April 13, 2015, a witness in Gien (France) observed a very bright, metallic object in the sky. The single testimony describes a silent, rotating object that crossed part of the sky in less than a minute. Due to the lack of distance and size information, it is considered likely to be a Mylar balloon, a type of metallic balloon used at fairs. These objects can appear larger than they are, making accurate identification difficult. The observer saw the object moving from left to right, which is consistent with a balloon being pushed by the wind.

The recorded wind direction in the area indicated a variable flow from northeast to east, which aligns with the observed movement. Additionally, the description of a "spiral descent" at the end of the observation could be explained by the balloon deflating due to atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes. Although not confirmed with certainty, the GEIPAN classifies this case as "B," suggesting it is likely a lost Mylar balloon. The short duration of the observation and the absence of other testimonies limit the possibility of other explanations.