Static red light in Montfort-sur-Meu explained as the Moon

Summary

In November 1987, several witnesses in Montfort-sur-Meu reported a red light that remained stationary or drifted very slowly westward. Descriptions ranged from a ball to a banana shape, and no sound was heard. The gendarmerie found no traces or aerial activity, and the case was initially classified D.

Years later, GEIPAN revisited it with updated tools. Astronomical data showed the first-quarter Moon sat exactly in the direction and position the witnesses had indicated. Although they insisted it was not the Moon, the match was perfect. The classification was changed to A—misidentification of a known celestial body.