Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 230; Flight Crew Type 15000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
While cruising at FL310; we both were heads down and observed a bright white flash. Neither of us recognized what had caused it. About 30 seconds later; we both witnessed another bright flash which we confirmed was arcing on the R1 window. 10 seconds later the R1 window shattered with numerous spider cracks encompassing the entire window. The First Officer (FO) put on his 02 mask and I put mine on at that time as well. We were unable to confirm if the cracks were on the inner or outer pane; due to the darkness in the cockpit and the extensive amount of cracks.I [advised] ATC and requested priority handling into [destination]. I took control of the aircraft and requested the FO to pull out the QRH. By the time we had gotten through the checklist; we had descended to 10;000 feet. The pressurization was maintained in the cabin and no abnormal condition existed in the aircraft. The checklist called for continued normal operation for our condition. I [advised ATC] based on not having confidence in the structural integrity of the window.Not having any experience with a shattered window at night; donning the O2 masks may have been premature; however; it was done to err on the side of safety.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
B737 flight crew reported descending to a safe altitude after the First Officer's cockpit window shattered at FL310.