Red lights in Meuse, France

On October 20, 2015 at 8:10 PM, a witness at their home observes three to four luminous phenomena in the sky, circular in shape, orange-red in color, moving silently in a straight North-South trajectory. The observation lasts about 15 minutes before the phenomena disappear from the witness's view. The latter took several photographs. No other testimony was collected. The observation of orange-red balls crossing the sky in a few minutes clearly suggests Thai lanterns, probably released nearby at the end of a private party. The movement is observed from North to South, which is consistent with the North wind recorded in Nancy (see the Météociel report indicating a North wind for the day of the observation; recorded at Nancy-Ochey, 22 km away). It is rare to observe this kind of festive phenomenon on a weekday, but it is nonetheless noted that this is during a school holiday period. The photos are affected by notable motion blur, quite normal for night photos taken handheld; they clearly show the orange-yellow color described by the witness, and very characteristic of Thai lanterns. The change of direction toward the East at the end of the observation may correspond to a local wind following the valley of the Ruppes stream. The GEIPAN classified and published this case as "B" probable lantern a first time, then having received additional information from the gendarmerie confirming a release of Thai lanterns following a funeral, the GEIPAN classifies this case as A: certain observation of the passage of Thai lanterns.