A child's balloon in the French sky

Summary

On August 23, 2016, around 10 a.m., a witness in the Nièvre department of France observed a very bright object in a clear sky. The object moved irregularly, changing direction, which caught the witness's attention. Despite making no noise, the object disappeared over the horizon. Only one account was collected, describing the movement as similar to a balloon caught in the wind, with an inconsistent speed.

According to weather records from the area, the day was particularly changeable, with gusty winds that could explain the object's behavior. The witness did not recognize the object and could not estimate its distance, making the perception of speed subjective. Investigators from the GEIPAN concluded that the object was likely round, such as a child's balloon, whose wind-driven movement would explain the direction changes and apparent speed. The case was ultimately classified as B, meaning a probable observation of an object carried by the wind.