There was tumult in Pontianak, West Kalimantan when residents saw the sky above them “split” two days ago, but an astronomical expert regards it as nothing extraordinary.

During the 11 minute-incident, a space path occurred, which to the residents, looked like the sky was “splitting”.

Professor of astronomy and astrophysics, Institute of Aviation and Space Agency (Lapan), Thomas Djamaluddin, said the phenomenon of the emergence of a sky split often occurred during sunrise or sunset.

“It happened in Yogyakarta in 2010. It can also happen in many places,” said Thomas as quoted by the news portal VIVAnews in Jakarta today.

He said it was known as “crepuscular ray” and that the phenomenon had no connection with signs of a disaster.

- Bernama