The Aunay-les-Bois Blue Lights: Class D Investigation

On June 3, 2020, between midnight and 1:00 AM, three witnesses observing from the garden of a rural family home in Aunay-les-Bois, Orne department, France, witnessed the silent passage of an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The object consisted primarily of two comparable bluish luminous sources, surrounded by a halo or several similar secondary luminous points. The phenomenon traveled on a horizontal trajectory at constant speed, maintaining a low elevation above the horizon (estimated at 15°). The witnesses observed the object approach from the south-southeast, temporarily disappear behind a row of poplar trees located approximately 200 meters away, then exit their field of vision heading east. The entire observation lasted an estimated 5-10 seconds. The case received extensive investigation by GEIPAN (France's official UAP research organization under CNES), including technical questionnaires, detailed sketches, cognitive interviews, on-site field investigation, and IPACO image analysis software assessment. The investigation noted that witnesses may have coordinated some questionnaire responses, but overall consistency was judged as good. Angular data provided by witnesses indicated the object's apparent size would exceed 9 meters if it was a single object passing behind the trees at 200 meters distance, effectively ruling out conventional single-object explanations. GEIPAN conducted thorough analysis of multiple hypotheses including atmospheric entry of a fragmented body, wind-borne illuminated balloons, and drone(s). Each hypothesis was systematically evaluated and found unsatisfactory. No atmospheric entry was recorded by automated camera networks or observer databases despite the significant dimensions involved. Wind direction and speed data were incompatible with the object's trajectory and estimated velocity. The drone hypothesis faced multiple obstacles: civilian drone flight is strictly prohibited at night in France, military drone expert consultation revealed that blue lights on military drones are blinking (not steady as observed), and the angular size calculations ruled out a single drone. GEIPAN classified this case as 'D' - unexplained after investigation, noting it maintains high strangeness with good evidentiary consistency.