Fay-le-Clos, bright sphere over Drôme identified as Venus

Summary

Several people travelling in two cars through the Drôme region in March 1980 observed a very bright sphere with green reflections and shapes they described as 'feet.' The object moved westward and eventually disappeared behind the mountains. Reported colours ranged from phosphorescent white to orange and red. After detailed analysis, investigators determined it was Venus. The duration of the sighting, sky position, and atmospheric optical effects matched the planet's behaviour. The perceived movement was explained by the witnesses' own displacement in their vehicles, which created the illusion that the object was following them.