Bolide observed in France in 2015

Summary

On April 9, 2015 at around 7:10 AM, a luminous phenomenon known as a bolide was simultaneously observed by numerous witnesses across southwest and west France, as well as in parts of the Spanish Pyrenees. This event, occurring at altitudes between 20 and 80 kilometers, was perceived by many as being very close, even though it was actually hundreds of kilometers away. Due to its intensity and speed, it was classified as a high-visibility event. Fragments of the meteoroid, ranging from millimeters to centimeters in size, likely fell into the Atlantic Ocean.

The GEIPAN, the French organization responsible for studying unidentified aerial phenomena, classified this case as "A," indicating a typical bolide caused by the atmospheric entry of a meteoroid. Despite its unusual appearance, there were no signs of non-natural activity. The event was widely documented by local media and social networks, including images and videos that helped confirm its nature. This case is a classic example of how an astronomical phenomenon can generate significant public interest and confusion.