CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-19800300749 CORROBORATED

The Cussey-sur-l'Ognon Venus Misidentification

CASE FILE — CF-GEI-19800300749 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
1980-02-17
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Cussey-sur-l'Ognon, Doubs, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
more than 10 minutes
Object Type Classification of the observed object based on witness descriptions
light
Source Origin database or archive this case was sourced from
geipan
Country Country where the incident took place
FR
AI Confidence AI-generated credibility score based on source reliability, detail consistency, and corroboration
85%
On February 17, 1980, at approximately 20:45 (8:45 PM), a witness observing the night sky in Cussey-sur-l'Ognon, Doubs department, France, noticed an unusually bright point of light that captured their attention. The witness described the object as a fixed, round point that appeared larger and more yellow than surrounding stars. The observation lasted over 10 minutes during which the light remained stationary in the sky. The local gendarmerie conducted an investigation but was unable to locate additional witnesses to corroborate the account. However, local press reports indicated that other witnesses in the surrounding area had made similar observations during the same time period, suggesting a regional phenomenon rather than an isolated incident. GEIPAN investigators performed an astronomical verification using star charts for the date and time of the sighting. Their analysis revealed that Venus was exceptionally visible in the indicated direction with a magnitude of -4.01, making it extraordinarily bright during this period. The investigators noted a discrepancy between the witness's estimated elevation of 20° above the horizon and Venus's actual position at 8° elevation, but attributed this to the common difficulty witnesses have in accurately estimating angles in the night sky.
02 Timeline of Events
1980-02-17 20:45
Initial Observation
Witness notices an unusually bright, yellow, round point of light in the night sky that appears fixed and larger than surrounding stars
20:45-20:55+
Extended Observation Period
Witness continues observing the stationary light for over 10 minutes, noting it does not move or change
Following days
Gendarmerie Investigation
Local gendarmerie conducts investigation but fails to locate additional witnesses for direct interviews
Investigation period
Press Reports Surface
Local press reports reveal that other witnesses in the surrounding region made similar observations during the same timeframe
Investigation conclusion
GEIPAN Astronomical Analysis
GEIPAN performs star chart verification, confirming Venus was visible at magnitude -4.01 in the reported direction at 8° elevation (witness estimated 20°)
Case closure
Classification as Type B
Case classified as 'B' - likely explained with high probability as Venus misidentification
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness
Civilian sky observer
medium
Unidentified witness observing the night sky from Cussey-sur-l'Ognon. Sincere observer who reported what they perceived as unusual but lacked astronomical knowledge to identify Venus.
"Ce point rond est fixe, plus gros et plus jaune que les autres étoiles."
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case represents a textbook example of Venus misidentification, one of the most common sources of UFO reports. The witness's description—a bright, yellow, stationary point of light larger than surrounding stars—precisely matches the appearance of Venus when at peak visibility. The magnitude of -4.01 recorded for Venus on this date would have made it extraordinarily conspicuous, easily drawing attention from casual sky observers. The witness's angle estimation error (20° versus actual 8°) is consistent with known human perceptual limitations when estimating elevations without reference points. The fact that multiple witnesses in the region reported similar observations during the same period, combined with Venus's exceptional visibility, strongly supports the astronomical explanation. GEIPAN's classification as 'B' (likely explained with high probability) reflects appropriate confidence in this conclusion. The gendarmerie's inability to locate corroborating witnesses is not unusual given the mundane nature of the stimulus and the likelihood that other observers recognized Venus for what it was.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Perceptual Error and Lack of Astronomical Knowledge
This case exemplifies how even bright, well-known celestial objects can be misperceived as anomalous by observers lacking astronomical training. Venus is one of the most frequently misidentified objects in UFO reports, particularly when at peak brightness as it was during this observation. The witness's inability to recognize Venus, combined with the perceptual error in estimating elevation angle, demonstrates the unreliability of untrained observer reports for celestial phenomena. The extended observation duration actually supports the mundane explanation—a truly anomalous craft would likely exhibit movement or other dynamic behavior.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case is conclusively explained as a misidentification of the planet Venus. The combination of precise astronomical data showing Venus at magnitude -4.01 in the reported direction, the witness description matching Venus's appearance, the extended observation duration consistent with a stationary celestial object, and multiple similar reports in the region all point to a single explanation. The witness's honest confusion is understandable given Venus's exceptional brightness during this period, which evidently fooled multiple observers. This case has minimal significance beyond serving as a useful educational example of how even bright planets can be mistaken for anomalous phenomena by sincere observers. GEIPAN's thorough investigation and astronomical cross-referencing demonstrates proper methodology for resolving such reports.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
07 Community Discussion
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