On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at approximately 8:30 AM, Christophe Thomas-Castelnau from Arcachon reported seeing two unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in the sky. He described them as wingless and quickly captured four photos with his phone.
The sighting was reported to the Groupe d'études et d'informations sur les phénomènes aérospatiaux non identifiés (Geipan), which has investigated eight similar cases in the Arcachon basin since 2012.
Geipan, a French organization dedicated to studying unexplained aerial phenomena, has received over 3,131 reports since its inception in 2005, with only 99 remaining unresolved. The organization aims to demystify sightings, often attributing them to natural or man-made causes.
Previous investigations in the area include a 2015 sighting of a luminous phenomenon, later identified as Venus and Mercury, and a 2012 report of a spherical object, which was concluded to be a helium or hydrogen balloon. The Geipan's rigorous approach emphasizes the importance of precise witness accounts for accurate investigations.
The recent sighting by Thomas-Castelnau adds to the ongoing intrigue surrounding aerial phenomena in France, prompting further investigation by Geipan.