A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While in cruise flight at FL390; we heard a loud pop/bang and immediately saw that the right forward windscreen had completely shattered.  The cracking appeared to emanate from the lower left corner of the windscreen and we could also see what appeared to be some splattering of something in that same area.  It sure seemed like a bird strike; but at FL390?  We felt the inside of the window and checked the pressurization and determined that it appeared that it was only the outer pane that was shattered.  Within about 30 seconds of the initial sound; an ECAM message came up stating  that the window heat in that window was INOP.  Out of an abundance of caution; and to avoid some potential icing conditions that we could see between our position and the airport; we elected to declare an emergency and start an early descent.  This also allowed us to both reduce the pressure differential in the cabin as well as slow the aircraft speed.  We then proceeded to destination without further incident.  Upon arrival at the gate; and after making a couple of requested calls to the Tower and the company; I was able to look at the damaged area from the outside.  There appeared to be no other damage to the nose of the aircraft or any other sign of a bird strike; so I now doubt that was the cause.  What the splattered material is at the base of the windscreen; and what caused it to shatter; I do not know.
A320 Captain experiences a shattered right forward windshield at FL390.  Crew begins an early descent to reduce cabin differential pressure and declares an emergency.  A normal landing at destination ensues.