Navy Shooting Laser Across Chesapeake Bay June 27

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Boaters or fishermen out on Chesapeake Bay at sunset Tuesday night, June 27, could catch a glimpse of a green beam of light flashing across the water. Officials with the Navy say the light will be the planned test of a long-range laser.

While the laser is harmless to the eye, it will switch off if a boat or plane comes within 300 meters, officials told The Capital-Gazette. A product of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory based in Washington, DC, the military isn't elaborating on what the test or laser is for, only giving residents in the area a heads up so there isn't panic or speculation that "ET" is visiting. Tests should wrap up at 10:45 p.m.

The laser will shoot an estimated 13 miles between Navy research sites on Tilghman Island, a watercraft stationed in the bay, and a site near Chesapeake Beach in Calvert County. Why? Don't ask, says the Navy.

Read the full Capital-Gazette story here.

»Chesapeake Bay photo courtesy of Maryland DNR