Orange glow in Pignan garden

Summary

On July 7, 2018, a witness in Pignan, France, observed a bright orange glow above the horizon. The light, moving silently and with an indescribable shape, caught their attention for a couple of minutes. The witness managed to take a photo with their phone before the object disappeared. Although no other witnesses were reported, the GEIPAN investigators concluded it was likely a Thai lantern. The described features—color, shape, and trajectory—match those of these traditional floating lights. Additionally, the weather and time of year support this explanation.

Thai lanterns, often released during festivals, can appear mysterious when viewed from a distance. Their shape can vary, and their brightness can fluctuate, confusing observers. Although the witness initially considered other explanations like satellites or meteors, these were ruled out due to the duration and behavior of the phenomenon. In the end, the GEIPAN classified the case as likely a Thai lantern, a reasonable and common explanation during the summer season.