CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20230451437 CORROBORATED
The Lavercantière Green Fireball
CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20230451437 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2023-04-19
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Lavercantière, Lot, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
Several 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%
At 4:30 AM on April 19, 2023, a single witness in Lavercantière, a commune in the Lot department of France, observed a brief but dramatic aerial phenomenon from their south-facing bedroom window. The witness reported seeing a luminous point traveling horizontally from west to east at an elevation estimated between 30 and 45 degrees above the horizon. The object was followed by a highly brilliant fluorescent green trail, creating a striking visual display in the pre-dawn sky.
The phenomenon exhibited a distinctive color progression during its brief trajectory. The initial luminous point changed from orange to bright red before the entire display terminated in what the witness described as a sudden 'explosion.' The entire observation lasted only several seconds, with no opportunity to capture photographic or video evidence due to the extremely brief duration of the event.
GEIPAN (Groupe d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés), France's official UFO investigation organization operated by CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales), conducted an investigation and classified this case as 'B' - indicating a probable identification with good consistency. The investigation determined this was most likely a meteor entering Earth's atmosphere, though the horizontal trajectory initially puzzled the witness.
02 Timeline of Events
04:30
Initial Detection
Witness observes a luminous orange point appearing in the sky from their south-facing bedroom window, moving horizontally west to east at 30-45 degrees elevation above the horizon
04:30:03 (est.)
Fluorescent Green Trail Observed
A brilliant fluorescent green trail becomes visible behind the luminous point as it traverses the sky in a straight line trajectory
04:30:05 (est.)
Color Transformation
The initial luminous point changes color from orange to bright red during its trajectory
04:30:07 (est.)
Terminal Explosion
The phenomenon suddenly disappears in an 'explosion' event, likely indicating atmospheric disintegration of the meteor
19/04/2023
GEIPAN Investigation Initiated
Official investigation launched by GEIPAN (CNES). Cross-reference checks conducted against meteor databases and automated camera networks without finding corroborating records
2023
Case Classification
Case classified as 'B' by GEIPAN - probable meteor observation with medium consistency rating due to single witness and brief observation duration
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian resident
medium
Resident of Lavercantière who observed the phenomenon from their south-facing bedroom window in the early morning hours. Provided detailed directional and color information.
"The luminous point was followed by a very bright fluorescent green trail. The phenomenon suddenly disappeared in a sort of 'explosion' after the initial luminous point varied, changing from orange to bright red."
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
GEIPAN's investigation provides a methodical assessment of this sighting with transparent reasoning. The case consistency is rated as 'medium' due to the single witness and absence of corroborating evidence (photos, videos, or additional witnesses), which is understandable given the 4:30 AM timeframe and brief duration. The investigative analysis identifies multiple characteristics consistent with meteor observation: the brilliant fluorescent green coloration (common in meteors due to nickel and magnesium combustion), the orange-to-red color progression, the bright trailing effect, the straight-line trajectory, and the terminal 'explosion' indicating atmospheric disintegration.
The witness's reported anomaly - the horizontal trajectory rather than a descending one - is addressed in the analysis as either a perspective effect or indicative of a meteor with a radiant point near the horizon, which would create an apparent horizontal path. GEIPAN's attempt to cross-reference the observation with meteor databases and automated camera networks yielded no corroborating data, which the investigators note is plausible given the early morning hour (4:30 AM) and the distance to the nearest automated monitoring station. This lack of corroboration slightly reduces confidence but doesn't contradict the meteor hypothesis. The witness appears credible with specific observational details (directional information, elevation angles, color descriptions), though the brevity prevented detailed analysis.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Bolide with Perspective Illusion
The described horizontal trajectory, while initially unusual to the witness, is consistent with a bolide (extremely bright meteor) observed from a specific angle. When a meteor's radiant - the point from which it appears to originate - is near the horizon, it can create the illusion of horizontal movement rather than the expected descending arc. The green coloration indicates the presence of nickel, magnesium, or copper in the meteoroid composition. The lack of corroborating data from automated networks is unsurprising given the 4:30 AM observation time when most cameras may not have been oriented toward that sky sector.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case represents a textbook meteor observation with high probability of correct identification. The GEIPAN 'B' classification (probable identification) appears appropriate given the convergence of multiple meteor-consistent factors: fluorescent green trail, color changes, bright luminosity, straight trajectory, brief duration, and terminal fragmentation. While the single-witness nature and lack of instrumental corroboration prevent absolute certainty, the described characteristics align closely with established meteor phenomenology. The horizontal trajectory, initially puzzling to the witness, finds rational explanation in viewing geometry. This case demonstrates effective official investigation methodology but holds minimal significance for unexplained phenomena research. The early morning timing and rural location explain the absence of additional witnesses or recorded data.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
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