CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20120408228 CORROBORATED
The Landevant ISS Misidentification
CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20120408228 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2012-04-13
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Landevant, Morbihan, Bretagne, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
3 minutes
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 the evening of April 13, 2012, at approximately 21:34 local time, a single witness in Landevant, Morbihan (Bretagne region, France) observed a silent, luminous white object moving across the night sky. The witness was intrigued by the unidentified light, which followed what appeared to be a curved trajectory from their perspective. The observation lasted approximately three minutes, ending around 21:37.
The witness initially provided an incorrect orientation description, which was later corrected during the GEIPAN investigation. Despite this initial error, the witness account demonstrated good consistency in terms of timing, appearance, and general trajectory of the observed phenomenon. The object was described as moving silently through the sky with no accompanying sound, and appeared as a bright white luminous point.
GEIPAN conducted a thorough investigation and definitively identified the observed object as the International Space Station (ISS). Orbital data confirmed that the ISS was visible from Landevant during the exact timeframe reported (21:34-21:37). The perceived 'curved' trajectory described by the witness was explained as a common perceptual error when observing satellites at lower angles relative to the horizon, as only satellites passing directly overhead (at zenith) appear to follow a linear path to ground observers.
02 Timeline of Events
21:34
Initial Observation
Witness in Landevant observes a silent, luminous white object appearing in the night sky. Witness is intrigued by the unidentified light source.
21:34-21:37
Object Transit
The luminous object travels across the sky following what appears to the witness as a curved trajectory. No sound accompanies the movement. Duration approximately 3 minutes.
21:37
Observation Ends
The luminous object disappears from view, completing its visible transit across the observer's field of view.
Post-incident
GEIPAN Investigation Initiated
Witness reports observation to GEIPAN. Initial directional orientation data collected contains error.
Post-incident
Orbital Data Verification
GEIPAN cross-references witness timing with ISS orbital data, confirming perfect correlation for April 13, 2012, 21:34-21:37 timeframe over Landevant location.
Post-incident
Orientation Error Corrected
Witness works with investigators to correct initial directional error. Investigation confirms good consistency in account despite this correction.
Post-incident
Classification A Assigned
GEIPAN definitively classifies case as 'A' - certain observation of the International Space Station. Curved trajectory explained as perceptual phenomenon.
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian observer
medium
Single witness in Landevant who reported the sighting to GEIPAN. Demonstrated good attention to timing details and willingness to correct initial directional error.
"Initially provided incorrect orientation which was corrected during investigation. Described silent passage of luminous white object with curved trajectory between 21:34-21:37."
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case exemplifies a textbook satellite misidentification with low strangeness value but high evidential consistency. The witness credibility is bolstered by their accurate timing (precise to the minute) and willingness to correct their initial directional error when confronted with investigation findings. GEIPAN's classification as 'A' (certain identification) is warranted given the perfect temporal correlation with ISS orbital data.
The witness's perception of a 'curved' trajectory is significant from an analytical perspective. This demonstrates a well-documented perceptual phenomenon where the human brain interprets satellite motion relative to the curved celestial vault, especially when the object doesn't pass through zenith. This psychological factor is a critical consideration in evaluating witness testimony across all UAP cases. The silent nature of the observation is entirely consistent with ISS visibility—orbital objects at approximately 400km altitude produce no audible sound to ground observers. The case serves as an excellent baseline for understanding how credible witnesses can misidentify common aerospace objects when unfamiliar with satellite observation characteristics.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Baseline Case for Misidentification Studies
From a skeptical analytical perspective, this case demonstrates why witness testimony alone, even when consistent and detailed, cannot establish anomalous phenomena without objective corroboration. The witness provided specific timing, clear visual description, and demonstrated honesty by correcting their orientation error—yet still fundamentally misidentified a routine aerospace object. This establishes an important baseline: if the ISS can be mistaken for an unknown object by a sincere observer with good recall, then similar testimony regarding truly unexplained sightings must be evaluated with appropriate caution and require additional corroborating evidence before drawing extraordinary conclusions.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case is definitively explained as observation of the International Space Station with extremely high confidence. GEIPAN's orbital data verification provides conclusive proof, and every aspect of the witness testimony—timing, appearance, duration, silence, and perceived motion—perfectly matches ISS visibility parameters for that location and date. The case is significant not for its mystery, but as a pedagogical example of satellite misidentification. It demonstrates that even consistent, detailed witness accounts can describe mundane phenomena when the observer lacks familiarity with routine aerospace activity. The witness's honest correction of their orientation error further validates the reliability of the investigation process. This classification 'A' case serves as a valuable reference point for distinguishing genuine anomalies from explainable aerospace observations.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
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