'Hole in sky' amazes scientists

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A mysterious hole has formed in a uniform layer of clouds over Mobile, Alabama, capturing the attention of both local residents and meteorological experts. Local resident Joel Knain documented the phenomenon, noting its uniqueness. Meteorologists suggest that the hole may have been created by ice crystals from a passing aircraft, which caused the surrounding water droplets in the cloud to evaporate. Some participants in the discussion propose that an air current, possibly a downdraft similar to a microburst, could be a more plausible explanation than aircraft exhaust for the unusual cloud formation.
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A giant hole that appeared in a uniform layer of cloud over Mobile, Alabama, in the US, has left scientists puzzled.
Local resident Joel Knain said as he took pictures: "I immediately realized that I was seeing something unique."

Meteorological experts believe the hole formed when ice-crystals from a passing plane fell through the cloud, causing the water droplets in it to evaporate. [Continued with picture]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3394461.stm
 
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Pretty freaky-lookin'. I think an air current is a more likely explanation than aircraft exhaust. Some downdraft resembling a larger, slower-moving version of a microburst.
 

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