Etude des PAN (méthodologie) / Note Technique

These working documents from GEIPAN detail the standardized methodology for collecting witness reports, conducting field investigations, and applying scientific analysis involving experts in astronomy, meteorology, aviation, and other fields. Phenomena are classified into categories A (identified), B (probable), C (insufficient data), and D (unexplained after investigation). The studies emphasize rigorous, evidence-based explanations, such as aircraft, balloons, satellites, atmospheric effects, or optical illusions. Statistical summaries indicate that only around 3-4% of fully investigated cases remain in category D, with no conclusion of extraterrestrial origin. Supporting technical notes cover topics like ball lightning, hydrodynamics, and spatial point pattern analysis of reports. The overall finding is that UAP represent a mix of misidentifications and rare natural events warranting continued scientific archiving rather than alarm.