Unspecified over [Mer] Lat 38.02, Lon 17.41 (Int) 21.06.1979, Autre · France
A conventional explanation is favored by the record but was never formally confirmed.
The report, as filed
Le 21 juin 1979 à 22h 25 locale plusieurs marins d'un bâtiment de la marine nationale en Mer Ionienne (lat 38°02N et long 17°41E) aperçoivent un phénomène lumineux à 15° au-dessus de l'horizon. Un point lumineux grossissant se sépare soudain en trois parties lumineuses dont l'intensité diminue progressivement. Les couleurs passent du blanc à l'orange pour redevenir blanc. La trajectoire observée est S-O Est. Le phénomène se déplaçant à grande vitesse a été observé durant une minute. Ces personnes ont probablement été témoins d'une rentrée atmosphérique. [GEIPAN classification B — Rentrée atmosphérique]
Held as-reported from GEIPAN, Centre national d'études spatiales (record GEIPAN 1979-06-00634). Witness text is preserved verbatim, including its spelling; nothing is edited beyond formatting.
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Routed to: GEIPAN / CNES (France) · records window 1979-06-18 → 1979-07-05