Clermont-Ferrand 1991, bright point identified as Venus

Summary

Between 5:25 and 5:40 AM on September 19, 1991, three independent witnesses in Clermont-Ferrand contacted authorities to report an intensely bright point in the sky, which they compared to a giant white star. Binoculars provided no additional detail. The case was initially classified as unexplained, but a later GEIPAN review, supported by modern tools and accumulated experience, determined the object was Venus, visible that day with great brightness. Factors such as fatigue, surprise, and darkness contributed to the confusion. The file was reclassified as PAN type A.