Nov 20, 2008 7:53 am US/Eastern
Strange Sight Seen In Pa. Night Sky
PHOENIXVILLE (CBS 3) ―
-
-
It may look like the Northern Lights, but this photo from Montgomeryville, Pa. may actually be ice crystals falling to the ground.
Dean Mavis
Those looking up to the night sky in parts of Pennsylvania Wednesday night may have seen an "otherworldly" sight, but there could be a real-world explanation.
Strange horizontal clouds in the sky had several CBS 3 viewers in Chester County scrambling for their cameras Wednesday evening.
Many believed the bizarre evening lights in the sky were part of an Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, or even a beautiful meteor shower. But CBS 3's weather team believes it is something much simpler.
The phenomenon may have been what is known as virga, or streaks of water or ice crystals evaporating before they hit the ground.
If the moonlight hits the streaks just right, it can create a strange sight in the sky.
Thanks to all of those who sent in their tips and photos. If you are an iWitness to a strange phenomenon, click the link below to let us know.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)