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UFO

Trans-en-Provence Physical Trace

Farmer Renato Nicolai witnessed a disc-shaped craft land briefly in his garden. French government scientists found the soil and plants showed evidence of powerful heating and electromagnetic effects.

January 8, 1981
Trans-en-Provence, France
1+ witnesses

The French Scientific Study

On January 8, 1981, farmer Renato Nicolai witnessed a disc-shaped craft land briefly on his property. The subsequent investigation by GEPAN found physical evidence of powerful forces affecting soil and vegetation.

The Witness

Renato Nicolai:

  • Farmer
  • Trans-en-Provence
  • Working in garden
  • Heard whistling sound
  • Turned to look

The Object

What he observed:

  • Lead-gray disc
  • About 8 feet diameter
  • Two protrusions
  • Landed briefly
  • Whistling sound

GEPAN Investigation

French government:

  • Official UFO study group
  • Sent investigators
  • Scientific approach
  • Samples collected
  • Laboratory analysis

Soil Analysis

What they found:

  • Circular trace
  • Compressed earth
  • Heated soil
  • Calcium changes
  • Anomalies documented

Plant Analysis

Vegetation showed:

  • Chlorophyll reduction
  • Up to 50% decrease
  • Young leaves affected
  • Trauma evident
  • Biochemical changes

Scientific Findings

GEPAN concluded:

  • Something landed
  • High temperature
  • Mechanical pressure
  • Unknown mechanism
  • Real event

Significance

Government-investigated UFO case with scientific analysis finding physical evidence of powerful unknown forces.

Legacy

Trans-en-Provence stands as a model of scientific UFO investigation with peer-reviewed findings.