The case record
What was reported?
Pilot Ray Bowyer reported two large luminous objects near Alderney; passengers and another pilot also reported observations.
- Reported date
- 23 Apr 2007
- Witnesses
- Commercial pilots / passengers · Multiple
- Investigation
- Civil aviation / civilian researchers
Evidence in the record
Eyewitness testimony; ATC context
Competing explanations
Official and research context
No definitive identification
Conventional explanations
Atmospheric optical effects proposed
Arguments that remain contested
Size and distance estimates depend on uncertain geometry
Locations & timeline
Coordinates are representative. Area and route labels do not imply exact paths or object positions.
- Primary reference location
Airspace near Alderney
Alderney
Reported event location · Approximate area radius: 30 km
49.700°, -2.367° · route · Medium-high - Linked location
Alderney Airport
Alderney, Channel Islands
Flight reference point · Approximate area radius: 1 km
49.706°, -2.215° · point · High
Record notes
Map aircraft approach route and approximate object bearings.
Imported starting record; individual claims and source links await editorial verification.
Original dataset status: Unresolved / disputed