Hyeres 2016, A strange sky phenomenon

Summary

On May 27, 2016, a witness in Hyères, France, reported an unusual phenomenon in the sky while relaxing on the beach. He noticed a straight, very dark line extending from the ground to the sky, which he described as a "kind of smoke curtain." The object was stationary and silent, prompting curiosity. The witness recorded the event with his phone, allowing the GEIPAN investigators to analyze the case. After reviewing the images and testimony, they concluded that the phenomenon was caused by a volumetric shadow created by an airplane contrail. This effect occurs when a condensation trail aligns perfectly with the sun and the observer, casting a shadow in the sky that can appear strange or even supernatural.

The scientific explanation, although rare, is entirely natural. The shadow is not visible to everyone, as it depends on the observer's exact position. In this case, the witness was in a precise location where the alignment of the sun, the contrail, and himself created the optical illusion. This makes the experience unique and hard to replicate. Although the GEIPAN classified the case as Type A (explainable), the testimony and images show how a natural phenomenon can seem inexplicable, especially when its cause is unknown. This case is another example of how science can unravel what appears mysterious at first glance.