Pilot witness in Loire-Atlantique, France

Between July 9, 2014 and July 11, 2014, a witness is intrigued by several observations of luminous phenomena in the sky. First observation of July 9 at 11:54 PM: the witness describes a luminous sphere crossing the sky in less than a minute, coming from the Southwest. Between 11:45 PM and midnight, a patrol of two gendarmes, located between Le Pouliguen and Guérande, observes for 2 to 3 seconds a "phenomenon like a shooting star" crossing the sky from South to North, ending by splitting into two parts before going out. The description of all the witnesses suggests a bolide (entry into the atmosphere of a meteoroid, a phenomenon also called a meteorite fall, or meteor, similar to a very large shooting star, longer-lasting and brighter). The BOAM site (see attached document) does not mention any recorded events of this type, but systematic coverage of this type of phenomenon over France is not guaranteed. One could also think of the atmospheric re-entry of space debris, but these phenomena generally last at least a minute. Moreover, no notable re-entry is listed: see: Aerospace. The Space-Track site (see attached document) indicates several re-entries of small debris that day, on highly inclined orbits, which could possibly correspond to the observation (detailed study to be continued). If airplane pilots observed this same phenomenon, they probably found it unremarkable. In any case, GEIPAN has received no report of it. For this first observation, since it is very likely that the witness and the gendarmes saw the same phenomenon, GEIPAN favors the bolide hypothesis: atmospheric re-entry of a meteoroid. Second observation at 12:15 AM: a blinking white luminous point advancing in a straight line in the sky clearly suggests a high-altitude airplane: these very bright flashing lights remain the only ones visible from afar: the position lights, fairly weak, are not visible, and the eye is dazzled by the flashing lights. GEIPAN received the observation report more than a month after the facts, which did not allow it to make verifications with air traffic control. Third observation: July 10 at 11:18 PM: the witness describes a very powerful, progressive luminous release, lasting less than 2 seconds. This description clearly suggests a satellite flash or flare, which reflects sunlight, as a flat mirror would. The rotation of the satellite induces this progressive and temporary flash. Many satellites can produce this effect, particularly Iridium satellites. The Calsky site (see attached document) lists several satellites passing vertically over Le Pouliguen around 11:08 PM: Helios 1A Rocket, Lacrosse5. An Iridium flare is also noted at 11:23 PM. Observation at 11:15 PM: this observation of a fast luminous ball between the clouds could also correspond to the observation of a satellite, numerous at that time. Observation at 11:55 PM: this observation of a bright sphere from West to East could also correspond to the observation of a satellite (Echostar 16 could be the origin, see the Calsky record). The apparent disappearance of the phenomenon corresponds to the satellite entering the Earth's shadow, moving toward the East. Observation at 12:02 AM: white light with uneven blinking, from Southeast to Northwest. The time and trajectory approximately correspond to the satellite Yaogan 12 (see Calsky record). But the witness's description could also correspond to an airplane. Observation at 12:13 AM: The movement of the luminous phenomenon is described in the witness's textual report as from East to West, which would be incompatible with that of a satellite. But on the drawing, it is noted "Northwest," which makes it compatible with the passage of the 3rd stage of the SJ 11-03 Rocket. Observation at 12:32 AM: two dazzling luminous streaks and a luminous sphere to the West: This could well correspond to two shooting stars, and to the large satellite TERRA (see Calsky record). Observation at 12:36 AM: Flash at the vertical: unexplained. Observation at 12:45 AM: 3 flashes at 5 or 6 second intervals: possible reflections on Cosmos 1300 Rocket. In conclusion, almost all of these observations, ultimately not very strange, are explained by the various phenomena one can observe at night: shooting stars, airplanes, and satellites: this very observant witness had the patience and precision to note everything and report it. The inevitable coincidences among the many airplanes and satellites will have added strangeness to the spectacle. GEIPAN classifies this case "B," probable observations of bolides, airplanes, and satellites.