Orange balls and Mirage jets in Landrecies

Summary

In September 2006, a family in Landrecies heard a loud noise that shook their house while watching television. Going outside, they saw two orange balls approaching slowly before separating and disappearing, leaving an irritating gas. Other witnesses within a 20 km radius reported similar experiences. The next day a whitish substance appeared on the ground, dissolving in sunlight; analysis found no connection to the phenomenon.

The investigation concluded the cause was two Mirage fighter jets flying at very low altitude and reduced speed, which explained both the visual perception and the noise and vibrations. The case was resolved.