CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-19820500931 CORROBORATED

The Saint-Alexandre Silent Fireball

CASE FILE — CF-GEI-19820500931 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
1982-04-28
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Saint-Alexandre, Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
Unknown (likely seconds to under 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
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 April 28, 1982, at approximately 23:47 hours, a single witness in Saint-Alexandre, Gard department, France, was startled by a brilliant flash that illuminated the entire valley. The witness then observed a luminous round object moving silently and rapidly at low altitude toward the west. The phenomenon displayed distinctive coloring: green on the exterior with a white center. Throughout the observation, the object maintained consistent shape and color without variation. This case was originally filed by GEIPAN (France's official UFO investigation service) and initially classified as 'D' (unexplained) under the name 'PONT SAINT-ESPRIT (30) 1982'. No additional witnesses came forward despite the dramatic nature of the illumination event. The witness specifically noted the complete silence of the object's passage, which contrasted with its apparent low altitude and high velocity. After remaining unexplained for 35 years, GEIPAN conducted a comprehensive re-examination of this case using modern analytical tools and accumulated investigation experience. The re-examination led to reclassification from 'D' (unexplained) to 'B' (probable identification) in approximately 2017, with investigators determining the event most likely represented an atmospheric re-entry of a meteoroid.
02 Timeline of Events
23:47
Initial Flash Event
Witness is startled by a brilliant flash of light that illuminates the entire valley landscape
23:47 + seconds
Luminous Object Observed
Round luminous object becomes visible with distinctive green exterior and white center coloring
23:47 + seconds
Westward Transit
Object moves silently and rapidly at low altitude toward the west, maintaining consistent shape and color throughout observation
23:47 + unknown
Observation Ends
Object disappears from view; witness reports incident to authorities
1982
Initial GEIPAN Classification
Case filed as 'PONT SAINT-ESPRIT (30) 1982' and classified as 'D' (unexplained) due to lack of conventional explanation
~2017
Case Re-examination
GEIPAN conducts systematic review using modern analytical tools and 35 years of accumulated meteoroid re-entry data
~2017
Reclassification to Category B
Case reclassified as 'B' (probable meteoroid atmospheric re-entry) with >50% confidence based on characteristic signatures
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian resident
medium
Resident of Saint-Alexandre who observed the phenomenon at night from the valley
"Un éclair illuminant la vallée... un phénomène lumineux de couleur (vert extérieurement et blanc au centre)... se déplace silencieusement et très rapidement à basse altitude en direction de l'Ouest... un objet rond qui durant toute l'observation ne changera ni de forme ni de couleur"
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case demonstrates the value of long-term data collection and retrospective analysis. GEIPAN's 2017 re-examination identified key characteristics that match known meteoroid atmospheric re-entry patterns: the initial bright flash illuminating the landscape, the distinctive green exterior coloring with white center, rapid movement, and low-altitude trajectory. These elements align closely with numerous documented meteoroid re-entries collected by GEIPAN over subsequent decades, which are now also captured by automated camera systems. The single-witness limitation significantly impacts case credibility, though the detailed color description (green exterior/white center) is highly specific and matches meteoroid plasma signatures. GEIPAN investigators noted missing duration data prevents definitive distinction between natural meteoroid re-entry versus artificial space debris re-entry, but assessed meteoroid origin as more probable (>50% confidence) based on: (1) the intense valley-illuminating flash suggesting a natural bolide, (2) lack of catalogued debris re-entries for that date/location, and (3) natural meteoroids being more frequently observed and less systematically recorded in 1982. The silent passage is consistent with distant meteoroid observation where sound doesn't reach the observer, or where the sonic phenomena arrive after visual observation ends.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Artificial Space Debris Re-entry
The phenomenon could represent re-entering artificial satellite debris or rocket stage components rather than natural meteoroid. Space debris can produce similar visual characteristics including bright flashes, colored plasma trails, and silent passage. The green coloration might indicate specific materials (copper compounds) burning during re-entry. However, GEIPAN notes the lack of catalogued space debris re-entries for this specific date/time/location in 1982 records, and the valley-illuminating intensity suggests natural bolide rather than smaller artificial debris.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
GEIPAN's reclassification to Category B (probable meteoroid atmospheric re-entry) represents a sound analytical conclusion based on pattern recognition across decades of similar reports. The distinctive green-and-white coloration, valley-illuminating flash, and rapid silent transit are hallmark characteristics of meteoroid plasma interaction during atmospheric entry. While the single-witness nature and lack of precise duration data prevent absolute certainty, the probability assessment of >50% appears conservative given the strong match to known meteoroid signatures. This case exemplifies how seemingly anomalous reports can be resolved through accumulated comparative data, though it also highlights the investigative challenges of single-witness nocturnal observations. The case holds modest significance primarily as a validation of GEIPAN's systematic re-examination methodology and demonstrates the scientific value of maintaining long-term UFO databases.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
07 Community Discussion
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