UNRESOLVED
CF-GEI-19760700313 UNRESOLVED
The Green Sphere of Avallon
CASE FILE — CF-GEI-19760700313 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
1976-07-07
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Avallon, Yonne, Bourgogne, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
1 minute
Object Type Classification of the observed object based on witness descriptions
sphere
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 7, 1976, at approximately 19:20 (7:20 PM local time), a witness and his grandson observed a luminous green spherical object traveling across the sky in Avallon, a commune in the Yonne department of Bourgogne, France. The object maintained a consistent north-to-south trajectory during the approximately one-minute observation period. The witnesses described the phenomenon as a brilliant green sphere ('objet sphérique brillant de couleur verte').
The sighting occurred during evening hours when visibility would have been good, allowing for clear observation of the object's characteristics. The bright green coloration was the most distinctive feature reported by the witnesses. The object's movement pattern appeared controlled and deliberate, following a linear path from north to south across the observers' field of vision.
Despite the unusual nature of the sighting, no additional witnesses came forward to corroborate the observation. GEIPAN's investigation was hampered by the lack of supplementary testimony and limited information available about the incident. The case received a 'C' classification from GEIPAN, indicating 'lack of information' - meaning insufficient data exists to determine the phenomenon's nature with any certainty.
02 Timeline of Events
19:20
Initial Observation
Witness and grandson first notice a brilliant green spherical object in the northern sky
19:20-19:21
Object Transit
The green sphere travels on a north-to-south trajectory across the sky, maintaining consistent appearance and brightness throughout the approximately one-minute observation period
19:21
Object Disappears
The spherical object exits the witnesses' field of view or disappears, ending the sighting
Post-event
GEIPAN Investigation
Official investigation initiated by GEIPAN (CNES). No additional witnesses identified despite canvassing efforts. Case classified as 'C' due to insufficient information for conclusive analysis
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian (grandfather)
unknown
Primary witness who observed the phenomenon with his grandson. No additional background information available in the official record.
"Not available in source documentation"
Anonymous Witness 2
Civilian (grandson)
unknown
Secondary witness, minor at time of observation. Observed phenomenon alongside grandfather.
"Not available in source documentation"
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case presents several challenges for analysis due to the sparse documentation and single witness account (with minor corroboration from the grandson). The green coloration is particularly noteworthy, as it's consistent with certain meteor phenomena, particularly those containing copper or nickel compounds which can produce vivid green trails when burning in the atmosphere. The one-minute duration is somewhat extended for a typical meteor, though slow-moving fireballs can occasionally persist for 30-60 seconds.
The credibility assessment is complicated by the lack of witness background information beyond the familial relationship. The north-to-south trajectory and evening timing (19:20 hours in July would still have significant daylight in France at that latitude) suggest good visibility conditions. The absence of additional witnesses in what would have been a populated area raises questions about the object's actual brightness or visibility range. GEIPAN's 'C' classification appropriately reflects the evidential limitations - there simply isn't enough data to pursue meaningful analysis or draw firm conclusions about the phenomenon's origin.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
Unidentified Aerial Object
The controlled north-south trajectory and sustained visibility over one minute could suggest a craft rather than a natural phenomenon. The distinctive green coloration might indicate an unconventional propulsion system or energy signature. However, this interpretation is highly speculative given the limited evidence and the existence of more prosaic explanations that fit the observed characteristics.
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Green Fireball/Meteor
The most probable explanation is a bright meteor or fireball containing metallic compounds (copper, nickel, or barium) that produce characteristic green coloration when burning during atmospheric entry. The north-south trajectory, spherical appearance, and bright luminosity are all consistent with bolide phenomena. The slightly extended duration of one minute, while unusual, can occur with slow-moving meteors entering at shallow angles.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
Most likely explanation: This sighting is consistent with a bright meteor or fireball, particularly given the green coloration, spherical appearance, and linear trajectory. Green fireballs are well-documented astronomical phenomena caused by metallic compounds burning during atmospheric entry. However, the one-minute duration is somewhat longer than typical meteor events, which usually last only seconds. Alternative mundane explanations could include misidentification of aircraft landing lights, flares, or even ball lightning, though none fit perfectly with the available description. Confidence level: Medium-Low. The case lacks sufficient detail and corroborating evidence to reach a definitive conclusion. While a meteor explanation is plausible and perhaps most likely, the extended observation duration and absence of other witnesses leaves room for uncertainty. This case holds minimal significance for UAP research due to limited documentation and a reasonable conventional explanation.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
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