Spherical object with abrupt course change at Gravelines

Summary

On 9 December 2002, a flight instructor and two students taking off from Gravelines in northern France saw an intense light approaching their aircraft. It suddenly went dark, revealing a spherical shape that abruptly changed direction. Neither the control tower nor radar recorded any trace. All three pilots gave consistent accounts, lending credibility to the report despite the lack of instrumental evidence. GEIPAN classified the case as D — unexplained after investigation.