Circular luminous phenomenon over Avignon on Christmas Eve 1981

Summary

On December 23 and 24, 1981, several people in Avignon observed a circular luminous phenomenon in the cloudy sky that shifted color between white and orange. It initially appeared stationary but then seemed to move, leading some witnesses to perceive it as growing or shrinking. Pilots and air traffic controllers also noticed the light on December 24. Despite a detailed investigation by the gendarmerie and verification with astronomical software, it could not be confirmed whether the object was Venus, which was exceptionally visible that day.