CORROBORATED
CF-GEI-20130408443 CORROBORATED

The Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire ISS Misidentification

CASE FILE — CF-GEI-20130408443 — CASEFILES CLASSIFIED ARCHIVE
Date Date when the incident was reported or occurred
2013-04-23
Location Reported location of the sighting or event
Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Indre-et-Loire, France
Duration Estimated duration of the observed phenomenon
Several 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 April 23, 2013, at approximately 21:42 local time, a single witness in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France, observed a luminous point in the sky near the Moon. The witness reported that the light moved vertically at constant speed until disappearing at an estimated altitude of 300 meters above ground level. The observation was reported to GEIPAN (Groupe d'Études et d'Informations sur les Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés), France's official UFO investigation organization operated by CNES (the French space agency). GEIPAN investigators conducted a systematic analysis of the sighting, cross-referencing the testimony with astronomical prediction databases including Calsky and Heavens-above. These specialized tracking tools confirmed that the International Space Station (ISS) had indeed passed over the region that evening. The initial analysis revealed a temporal discrepancy: the ISS passage was predicted for 21:37, five minutes earlier than the witness's reported time of 21:42. When contacted by investigators regarding this time discrepancy, the witness confirmed via email that their clock was running five minutes fast. This admission resolved the temporal inconsistency completely. GEIPAN investigators also generated a simulation showing the ISS trajectory from the witness's specific geographic position, which matched the described observation path. Based on this comprehensive analysis, GEIPAN classified the case as "A" - the highest certainty classification indicating a positively identified phenomenon with no remaining ambiguity.
02 Timeline of Events
21:37
ISS Transit Begins
The International Space Station passes over Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire region as predicted by Calsky and Heavens-above tracking systems. Actual time of the event.
21:42 (witness time)
Initial Observation
Witness observes a luminous point near the Moon beginning vertical movement across the sky. Due to clock running 5 minutes fast, this corresponds to actual time of 21:37.
21:42-21:45 (approximate)
Object Movement Observed
Witness tracks the light source as it moves at constant speed vertically through the sky. Movement consistent with satellite transit across observer's field of view.
~21:45
Object Disappears
The luminous point fades from view. Witness estimates disappearance at 300m altitude, though actual ISS altitude is approximately 400km. Object likely entered Earth's shadow or moved beyond optimal viewing angle.
Post-observation
GEIPAN Investigation Initiated
Witness reports sighting to GEIPAN. Investigators begin systematic analysis using astronomical databases and trajectory modeling tools.
Investigation phase
Time Discrepancy Identified
GEIPAN analysts discover 5-minute difference between reported observation time (21:42) and predicted ISS passage (21:37). Investigators contact witness for clarification.
Investigation phase
Clock Error Confirmed
Witness confirms via email that their clock was running 5 minutes fast, resolving the temporal discrepancy completely.
Investigation conclusion
Classification A Assigned
GEIPAN closes case with highest certainty classification: observation positively identified as ISS transit. Trajectory simulation confirms match with witness account.
03 Key Witnesses
Anonymous Witness 1
Civilian observer
high
Single witness who responsibly reported observation to official authorities. Demonstrated good faith by cooperating with follow-up investigation and honestly acknowledging clock error when questioned.
"Un point lumineux situé à proximité de la Lune qui se déplace verticalement, à vitesse constante, jusqu'à sa disparition à environ 300m du sol."
04 Analyst Notes -- AI Processed
This case represents an exemplary demonstration of methodical scientific investigation applied to UFO reports. The GEIPAN team followed rigorous protocols: they collected precise testimony details, consulted authoritative astronomical databases, identified a plausible conventional explanation, discovered an apparent discrepancy, and crucially followed up with the witness to resolve the inconsistency. The witness's candid admission about the clock error demonstrates good-faith reporting rather than an attempt to fabricate an unexplained event. The witness's estimate that the object disappeared at "approximately 300m from the ground" reveals a common perceptual error in altitude estimation for orbital objects. The ISS orbits at approximately 400 kilometers altitude, not 300 meters. This misperception is entirely typical and stems from the difficulty observers face when judging distances and altitudes of objects against the featureless sky, particularly for moving lights that fade from view as they enter Earth's shadow or move beyond optimal viewing angles. The witness's description of constant velocity and vertical movement is consistent with ISS transit observations, though the actual path would be more of an arc across the sky rather than purely vertical. This case required minimal investigative resources but provides educational value regarding satellite misidentifications.
05 Theory Comparison
BELIEVER ANALYSIS
SKEPTIC ANALYSIS
Routine Satellite Observation
This represents an entirely mundane observation of a well-tracked artificial satellite that was only reported due to the witness's unfamiliarity with ISS transits. The case required minimal investigation and demonstrates how easily conventional phenomena can be misperceived as unusual when observers lack astronomical knowledge. The witness's cooperation in confirming the clock error indicates honest reporting rather than an attempt to manufacture a mystery. Cases like this consume investigative resources that could be directed toward genuinely anomalous events.
06 Verdict
ANALYST VERDICT
This case is definitively explained as an observation of the International Space Station. The confluence of evidence is overwhelming: the ISS was verifiably passing over the location at the exact time (once clock error was accounted for), the witness description matches typical ISS visual characteristics (bright point of light, steady movement), and the observation geometry aligns with trajectory simulations. GEIPAN's "A" classification is entirely appropriate. This case holds minimal significance for UAP research but serves as a valuable example of how competent investigation can resolve apparent anomalies. It also illustrates the importance of temporal precision in witness reports and the value of follow-up questioning when discrepancies emerge. The case file demonstrates best practices in civilian UFO investigation: transparent methodology, use of verifiable astronomical data, and willingness to classify cases as explained when evidence supports conventional explanations.
AI CONFIDENCE SCORE:
85%
07 Community Discussion
VIEW ALL >
// AUTHENTICATION REQUIRED
Sign in to contribute analysis on this case.
LOGIN
// NO COMMENTS YET
Be the first field agent to contribute analysis on this case.
08 Live Chat 1 ROOM
ENTER LIVE CHAT
Real-time discussion with other field agents analyzing this case.
OPEN LIVE CHAT 1
// SECURITY CLEARANCE NOTICE

This system uses cookies to maintain your session and operational preferences. Optional analytics cookies help us improve the archive. Privacy Policy