In order of likelihood:
1. Someone in the cockpit was messing with a laser pen, but they don't want to admit to their stupidity.
2. A passenger was trying to shine it into the cockpit on purpose, and when the door was open they scored a direct hit.
3. A casino or the like with a laser light show.
4. Someone on the ground "messing around" like the M1 tank post.
5. Least Likely: ground based person doing it on purpose.
But yet #5 is the most talked about in this thread. I suppose because it is the most exciting, albeit the most unlikely.
Slashdot Mirror
In order of likelihood: 1. Someone in the cockpit was messing with a laser pen, but they don't want to admit to their stupidity. 2. A passenger was trying to shine it into the cockpit on purpose, and when the door was open they scored a direct hit. 3. A casino or the like with a laser light show. 4. Someone on the ground "messing around" like the M1 tank post. 5. Least Likely: ground based person doing it on purpose. But yet #5 is the most talked about in this thread. I suppose because it is the most exciting, albeit the most unlikely.