3 ms·
There is a common misconception that the boom happens once while accelerating through the speed of sound. In fact it happens continuously while traveling supers
by repiret 6y ago
There is a common misconception that the boom happens once while accelerating through the speed of sound. In fact it happens continuously while traveling supersonic. The Concord mostly (only?) flew transatlantic mostly for that reason. The US military hasn’t always been shy about continental supersonic flight. I grew up near Beale AFB where the SR71 was stationed and hearing a sonic boom was not an uncommon occourance in the 80s.
- russellbeattie 6y agoHuh. As soon as I read what you wrote, I thought, "that actually makes sense", but then I wondered how it worked. Happily, Wikipedia's entry on Sonic Boom is detailed, with animations and specifics - including altitude and temperature, which affect if the boom is heard or not at ground level. Very interesting. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_boom https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_boom
- eikenberry 6y agoThanks for pointing that out. Didn't even think to look it up as I had just assumed it was that way forever.