TALMONT-SAINT-HILAIRE (85) 01.01.2016

Summary

On January 1, 2016 at 00:16, a witness observed silent, flame-colored luminous phenomena moving in the sky. The objects traveled northeast along a horizontal trajectory at low altitude for five minutes. No other reports were recorded in the area. Although it might initially seem unexplained, the GEIPAN concluded that these were likely Thai lanterns launched during a private celebration. The movement in groups of four or five, aligned horizontally, suggests they were launched in sequences with longer intervals between them.

The witness could not accurately determine the exact direction of movement, as the wind in the area was blowing northwest. However, from the observation point, only the south-to-north component of the movement was clearly visible. This led the GEIPAN to classify the case as "B"—likely terrestrial phenomena. The observed characteristics match those of traditional Thai lanterns, often launched during festive occasions like New Year’s Eve.