CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20090702359 CORROBORATED
Plougasnou ISS Misidentification
CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20090702359 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2009-07-17
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Plougasnou, Finistère, Brittany, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
30 seconds
Object Type Classification of the observed object based on witness descriptions
light
Source Origin database or archive this case was sourced from
geipan
Witnesses Number of known witnesses who reported the event
2
Country Country where the incident took place
FR
AI Confidence AI-generated credibility score based on source reliability, detail consistency, and corroboration
85%
On July 17, 2009, around midnight in Plougasnou, a coastal town in Brittany's Finistère department, a couple observed a bright white luminous phenomenon moving rapidly across the sky above them. One witness reported the observation, which lasted approximately 30 seconds. The phenomenon traveled at a regular speed along a rectilinear trajectory before disappearing from view. Notably, no sound was detected during the entire observation period, which is consistent with a high-altitude object.
The GEIPAN investigation, conducted by France's official space agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), concluded that this sighting corresponded precisely with a passage of the International Space Station (ISS) over the region at that time. The witnesses' description—particularly the bright white appearance, steady velocity, straight-line trajectory, silent passage, and 30-second duration—matched the expected characteristics of an ISS transit visible from that geographic location.
This case was classified as "A" by GEIPAN, their highest certainty classification, indicating a positive identification with 100% certainty. The investigation noted that while the case had "low strangeness," the witness description was precise and accurate, allowing for definitive correlation with known ISS orbital data for that date and time.
02 Timeline of Events
2009-07-17 00:00
Initial Sighting
Around midnight, couple in Plougasnou notices bright white luminous object appearing in the sky above them
00:00:00
Observation Period Begins
Witnesses observe object moving at regular speed along straight trajectory. No sound detected. Object appears intensely bright white.
00:00:30
Object Disappears
After 30 seconds of observation, the luminous phenomenon disappears from view, completing its transit across the visible sky
Post-event
Witness Report Filed
One witness files detailed report with GEIPAN describing the observation
Investigation
GEIPAN Investigation
GEIPAN analyzes witness testimony and correlates with ISS orbital data for July 17, 2009
Classification
Case Classified A
GEIPAN determines observation corresponds completely with ISS passage. Case classified A (certain identification) with low strangeness rating.
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian
medium
Part of a couple observing from Plougasnou, provided detailed report to GEIPAN
"Le phénomène se déplace à une vitesse régulière et selon une trajectoire rectiligne avant de disparaitre. Aucun bruit particulier n'a été remarqué durant l'observation."
Anonymous Witness 2
Civilian
medium
Second member of couple present during observation
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case represents an exemplary instance of proper investigation methodology leading to a definitive explanation. GEIPAN's classification system uses "A" for cases with certain identification, and this case demonstrates why witness testimony alone, without astronomical context, can lead to UFO reports. The witnesses provided key observational details that actually aided identification: the regular speed, straight trajectory, brightness, silence, and duration are all characteristic signatures of ISS passes.
The credibility factors are strong: two witnesses, midnight observation with dark sky conditions ideal for satellite visibility, and a coherent description without embellishment or extraordinary claims. The 30-second duration is typical for ISS transits as viewed from the ground—the station moves at approximately 7.66 km/s in orbit and can remain visible for 1-6 minutes depending on the pass geometry. The witnesses' puzzlement is understandable; the ISS can be extremely bright (magnitude -4 to -6, brighter than Venus) and its speed across the sky can seem unusual to those unfamiliar with satellite observations.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Satellite or Aircraft Misidentification
Even without GEIPAN's specific ISS correlation, skeptical analysis would point to a satellite or high-altitude aircraft. The 30-second duration, straight trajectory, silence, and regular speed are inconsistent with most unconventional explanations. The brightness and white color are typical of sunlight reflecting off spacecraft in low Earth orbit during twilight hours or, less commonly, during darker periods when the ISS is particularly bright.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case is definitively explained as an observation of the International Space Station. GEIPAN's classification A indicates 100% certainty, supported by correlation with ISS orbital data for July 17, 2009. The witness description matches perfectly with expected ISS characteristics: bright white appearance, silent passage, steady velocity, straight trajectory, and 30-second visibility window. This case has no significance as an unexplained phenomenon but serves educational value in demonstrating how unfamiliarity with orbital mechanics and satellite visibility can lead to genuine UFO reports from credible witnesses. It exemplifies the importance of astronomical cross-referencing in investigation protocols.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
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