Rotating light projecting beams to the ground over Firminy

Summary

On the night of 29–30 August 1997, several witnesses in Firminy (Loire) were alerted by the agitated behaviour of farm animals nearby. Upon investigating, they saw a round white light surrounded by an outer ring, dotted with small bright circles inside. The light projected beams toward the ground while rotating on its axis. At 2:00 a.m., when the witnesses retired, the phenomenon was still visible. With no conclusive data, investigators suggested the possible cause was the reflection of an advertising laser located 8 to 10 kilometres away.