CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20110702802 CORROBORATED

The Caussade Perseids Bolide

CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20110702802 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2011-07-31
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Caussade, Tarn-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrénées, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
A few 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
1
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 31, 2011, at approximately 19:30 (7:30 PM), a single witness in Caussade, located in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of France, observed a rapid luminous phenomenon traversing the sky. The witness described the object as oval-shaped and white in color, moving at extremely high velocity without producing any audible sound. The phenomenon disappeared quickly toward the horizon, exhibiting characteristics consistent with a meteor or atmospheric entry event. The observation occurred during the peak period of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which typically occurs from late July through mid-August. GEIPAN investigators noted that the object's speed, brightness, and the timing of the sighting all aligned with the characteristics of a Perseids meteor. The trajectory direction observed by the witness was compatible with meteors originating from the Perseus constellation radiant point. Following standard protocol for potential meteorite events, GEIPAN forwarded the case file to scientific specialists at the Institut de Mécanique Céleste et de Calcul des Éphémérides (IMCCE) and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle for their records and analysis. The case received a 'B' classification from GEIPAN, indicating a probable identification with good consistency between witness testimony and the proposed explanation.
02 Timeline of Events
19:30
Initial Observation
Witness observes a rapidly moving white, oval-shaped object in the sky above Caussade
19:30 + seconds
Silent Transit
Object crosses the sky at high velocity without producing any audible sound
19:30 + seconds
Disappearance at Horizon
Phenomenon disappears rapidly toward the horizon, consistent with meteor burnout or passing below horizon line
Post-observation
Report Filed
Witness files report with GEIPAN describing the observation
Investigation period
Scientific Consultation
GEIPAN forwards case file to IMCCE and Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle meteor specialists for expert analysis
Classification
Case Classified 'B'
GEIPAN assigns 'B' classification: probable identification as Perseid meteor
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian observer
medium
Resident of Caussade who observed and reported the phenomenon to GEIPAN
"De forme ovale et de couleur blanche, le phénomène se déplace sans qu'aucun bruit ne soit entendu. Il a disparu rapidement vers l'horizon."
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case presents a textbook example of a meteor observation during a well-documented annual meteor shower period. The witness account, while limited to a single observer, provides details entirely consistent with a Perseid meteor: rapid transit across the sky, bright white coloration, oval or elongated appearance (typical of meteors viewed at an angle), silent passage, and disappearance at the horizon. The July 31 date falls within the Perseid shower's active period, which peaks in mid-August but produces visible meteors from late July onward. The credibility of the natural phenomenon explanation is strengthened by several factors: the temporal coincidence with known meteor activity, the physical characteristics matching fireball descriptions, and the absence of anomalous behavior (hovering, direction changes, structured craft features). GEIPAN's decision to consult with meteor specialists at France's premier astronomical and natural history institutions demonstrates appropriate due diligence. The 'B' classification indicates investigators found the meteor explanation highly probable, though not absolutely certain due to the single-witness nature and lack of photographic evidence or corroborating reports.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Single-Witness Limitation
While the meteor explanation is highly probable, the single-witness nature of this report and lack of photographic evidence or corroborating observations prevents absolute certainty. The witness's perception of shape, speed, and trajectory could be influenced by viewing angle, atmospheric conditions, or observational experience. This methodological consideration explains the 'B' rather than 'A' classification.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case is almost certainly a Perseid meteor observation, likely a brighter-than-average fireball (bolide). The convergence of evidence—timing during peak Perseid season, characteristic appearance and behavior, trajectory alignment, and expert consultation—leaves minimal doubt about this identification. While the lack of multiple witnesses or instrumental data prevents absolute certainty (hence the 'B' rather than 'A' classification), this represents a routine astronomical event rather than an anomalous phenomenon. The case value lies primarily in documenting meteor shower activity and public reporting patterns rather than presenting any unexplained aerial phenomenon.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
07 Community Discussion
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