Two phenomena in one night at Albias

Summary

On the night of 17 January 2009, a witness in Albias (Tarn-et-Garonne) reported two phenomena he could not identify. The first, seen at 0:30, was a half-circle of orange light sitting on the horizon. Astronomical data for that date place the waning gibbous Moon in precisely that position and appearance, leading investigators to conclude the witness had unknowingly observed the Moon. The second phenomenon, spotted at 1:23, was independent of the first and displayed traits typical of a sky lantern — a luminous object drifting slowly with the wind. Despite the observer's puzzlement, both explanations were considered well-supported.