In 1977, the CNES Director General set up a unit to record witness accounts of supposedly abnormal phenomena observed in the sky, commonly known as UFOs (unidentified flying objects).
In fact, there is a perfectly normal explanation for the vast majority of “sightings”, such as the Moon rising, unusual clouds or space debris re-entering the atmosphere. They are simply misinterpreted by those who see them.
Not all cases explained
30 years of investigations
In a few months’ time, a total of 1,600 reported sightings from 3,000 reports covering 6,000 witness accounts will be posted on the dedicated Web portal.
For CNES, making the unit’s archives available on line also affirms that providing the public with clear information is now central to GEIPAN’s mission.
Some examples of sketches by UAP witnesses sent to GEIPAN. Crédits : CNES
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Interview de Jacques Patenet, Responsable du GEIPAN au CNES
22 mars 2007
--> Geipan, the French UAP research and information group
GEIPAN online – Search UAP sightings