Moon and Venus mistaken for a UFO at Châteaudun in 1980

Summary

In February 1980, several witnesses in Châteaudun observed a whitish ball surrounded by a misty halo, hovering near a crescent-shaped object. After a few minutes of stillness, the object moved erratically for twenty minutes before speeding northwest, making no sound.

The investigation concluded the phenomenon had an astronomical explanation. The Moon, in its waxing crescent phase, was accompanied by Venus just above it. Earthshine made the unlit part of the Moon faintly visible. The witnesses, likely influenced by proximity to the horizon and optical effects, exaggerated the perceived movements.